2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5 speed build thread - Page 15 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Daox · 10-05-2018, 09:43 AM

I recently ripped apart the dash on the Mirage to do a heater core replacement. There has been an issue with some Mirages having heater core issues. Some are lucky and have had them replaced under warranty. I did not have that luxury.

Here are some pics of the job:

Dash disassembled.

Heater core being removed.

Testing the new core.

And, I also did an autopsy on the OE heater core to see what was wrong with it. I opened it up to find this gel like substance on the outlet side of the heater core. Very odd. If anyone has any idea what this is, why it happened, and / or how to flush it without replacing the core, I am all ears. It would be very helpful since other Mirage owners have the same issue.

gone-ot · 10-05-2018, 02:16 PM

Looks like two different anti-freezes didn't get along...resulting in that goo.

Daox · 10-05-2018, 02:21 PM

Thats what a lot of people have said. However, as far as I know my system has never been opened up except by me. Multiple other owners who have had their car since new also have a very similar issue. I tried to flush it with water unsuccessfully during last winter. This was the next step.

gone-ot · 10-05-2018, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Thats what a lot of people have said. However, as far as I know my system has never been opened up except by me. Multiple other owners who have had their car since new also have a very similar issue. I tried to flush it with water unsuccessfully during last winter. This was the next step.

We had a similar problem with our Chevy Cruze, where somebody at Firestone (doing courtesy 'top-offs') poured in something that wasn't compatible with GM "pink" stuff...only our "goo" was "baby shjt brown" in colour.

MetroMPG · 10-05-2018, 08:29 PM

Old Tele Man: so the unintended chemistry experiment caused blockages in the Cruze's cooling system? How'd they fix it?

----

Tim: have you tried any different solvents on it yet? Obviously not water soluble, as you said.

gone-ot · 10-05-2018, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Old Tele Man: so the unintended chemistry experiment caused blockages in the Cruze's cooling system? How'd they fix it?

----

Tim: have you tried any different solvents on it yet? Obviously not water soluble, as you said.

GM did nothing, said it wasn't their problem...but WE paid to have the radiator (but not heater core) "boiled-out" at a radiator shop...also had to have ALL the coolant-interfacing gaskets replaced (heads (V6), thermostat, waterpump, etc.). The radiator shop "back-flushed" the heater core at the same time they had the radiator out.

euromodder · 10-06-2018, 08:27 AM

Mixing incompatible coolants was my first thought.
But in the past, VW has had issues with coolant reacting with the materials in the circuit.

Texaco has a special blend pink Havoline® coolant they make especially for VW/VAG

Daox · 10-25-2018, 11:14 AM

I'll be going on my first long distance freeway trip in the Mirage this weekend. I am going to the upper peninsula of Michigan to see my dad for his birthday. Typically we would take our 2004 Prius, but my wife is staying home to attend a church conference. So, it will be me and the Mirage and 200 miles of road to cover.

In preparation for the trip I hope to:
- Get a new air filter installed
- Get the oil and filter changed (first time since purchasing the car!)
- Air up the tires nice and good, probably 50 psi
- Throw on a quick make shift warm air intake (WAI)

I really wanted to get to installing an air dam on the car, but I don't think I'll have time for that since I leave on Friday night after work. I am really looking forward to seeing how the Mirage does on a longer trip as 99% of the time I've just running it around town or commuting to work. Other than this trip, my longest trip was bringing it home from Chicago.

If you guys have any other suggestions to get ready for the trip and maybe eek out a bit more mileage, I'm all ears.