Parts question/ heater core

[Acollin]

A little advice, please.

My heater core has a leak that is not obvious. Moisture appears, but there is no way I can see where it's coming from.
I see my options as:
1) have a radiator shop do a repair
2) buy a used on from a parts seller
3) buy a new one from a new parts seller— SS has it in the catalog
4) reroute the hoses and go heaterless— my driving in cold weather is a little fun but mostly maintenace

With new parts often questionable—-
Q: With a heater core, is better to repair the old part or buy new?
Thanks all
Andrew

 

[JoeMcC]

A decent radiator shop should be able to do a good repair or tell you if it is too far gone but a small leak should be an easy fix.

 

[alpine_64]

Be very careful on the repair.... Some people have had some serious bill shock .. make sure they don't repair it without your consent and a solid quote...

Personally I'd buy a new one, the new ones are reinforced and the ends don't buldge

 

[DanR]

Which direction is the fan pointing in your hand radiator or engine?

 

[volvoguys]

A decent radiator shop should be able to do a good repair or tell you if it is too far gone but a small leak should be an easy fix.

PM sent.

 

[Warren]

Better off to buy a new one. The repops is heavier not because it sounds like a musical maraca when you shake it.
The tubes are pretty fragile and thin walled. Since people used tap water getting the scale out completely is hard.

Plus there's the time to consider when like Tiger owners, you put on the heater just to add cooling area to the system to avoid overheating. Yes I've been in 115 temp. heater on top down black interior in a cluster F of the San Fernando valley crawling uphill.