Anyone know how the heater core system works? Is there a shut off valve for the coolant when you have the heat off? I ask because the center console on mine can almost burn my leg. It's 90+ outside and it's still passing hot water through the core which makes a load of heat inside that the AC is having to compensate for.

I took the side cover off and put some insulation wrapped in tin foil between it and it's helped a little bit but this thing is too hot to even touch sometimes.

TIA
-P

 

This behavior is not uncommon. In fact, there is a TSB for it--they basically put more insulation on the line, as you have done. We have heard reports that a failing thermostat can add to the heat coming from there, but I'm not sure how that would work.

 

I am in Texas and noticed the same thing on mine, we have 100 degree weather here and its hot, not burning leg hot but definitely noticeable. I wish it had a thermometer gauge for the engine.

 

Is the coolant always going through the heater core or does it get shut off when the temp is set low on the heat? I checked the temp on mine after I took it apart so it wasn't running for a few mins and it was still 150 degrees.

Elio I use the scan gauge to permanently see a temp gauge, I wouldn't drive a car without one, especially one with an aluminum head.

 

The hot coolant always travels through the heater core, I talked with my local Mini dealer and the SA said that there was no service bulletin even after I showed him a copy of the service bulletin, it's like talking to a brick-wall! I called Mini USA (not to bright either) about hot air burning my foot in my sandals while traveling to the beach.

I emailed MINI USA service Rep the service bulletin regarding the heater core issue and it took 2 months for her to get back to me. Two months later the service Rep emailed me the same service bulletin I email her and she said there was a service bulletin for the heater core. OMG!

Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to someone less than human, I painted a clear picture for both of them and they completely missed it. These people don't belong in their current professions in my opinion!

 

Systemlord what did the TSB fix do?

 

They installed insulation around the 2 heater core pipes. No more hot foot.

 

Thanks! Not worth the time in my case, I've already done that.

 

Here is the old TSB : Looks like part # 64113453594


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tting-hot.html

 

I have a 2007 Mini . The heater core is hot that it will burn you if you touch it.. We have had the car for several years and never noticed this before. I replaced the thermostat 2 years ago due to a leaking cracked housing. Is my car overheating? It runs fine and gives no indications of overheating . What is the operating temp for this car? How do check it?
Thanks
Doug

 

Anyone have a pic of the insulation, part 64113453594? Is it worth $50 or am I better off just using some pipe insulation from Home Depot?