The engine coolant lines leading to the rear heating unit failed and anti-freeze dripped out. The solid aluminum lines cost over $1K for the part alone, then add labour on top. I opted for the cheap fix which was to crimp the lines off near the engine and for go rear heat ($300). My GMC dealer told me that the design was poor. Insufficient fluid movement contributed to sludge building up. I am not sure how that contributed to Al corrosion, but I accepted that they saw a higher number of these problems showing up. If I used a local mechanic, I may have been able to solder Al (specific skill) or replace a section with tubing and clamps. When I thought about the inconvenience of a leak in the middle of nowhere vs no rear heat and getting it fixed that day, I went for the by-pass solution. No leaks, but no rear heat (other than recirculating the front heat through the rear blower which still works.)
The engine coolant lines leading to the rear heating unit failed and anti-freeze dripped out. The solid aluminum lines cost over $1K for the part alone, then add labour on top. I opted for the cheap fix which was to crimp the lines off near the engine and for go rear heat ($300). My GMC dealer told me that the design was poor. Insufficient fluid movement contributed to sludge building up. I am not sure how that contributed to Al corrosion, but I accepted that they saw a higher number of these problems showing up. If I used a local mechanic, I may have been able to solder Al (specific skill) or replace a section with tubing and clamps. When I thought about the inconvenience of a leak in the middle of nowhere vs no rear heat and getting it fixed that day, I went for the by-pass solution. No leaks, but no rear heat (other than recirculating the front heat through the rear blower which still works.)
- Dan H., Ottawa, Ontario, canada