Replace heater core

[70_NPORT]

I didn't see any recent threads about THIS specifically....swapping old core for a new one. So if there is one -- my bad.
Million dollar question: Best method to swap out old core with new unit...? get at it from engine bay (removing the engine of course) OR from inside the car? I'm betting it is way easier to pull the dashboard out than it is to put it back in.

Yeah, just got done my front disc brakes...I love punishment.

 

[commando1]

Epic thread coming...

 

[Big_John]

Inside the car. It comes out from under the dash.

In an A/C car, there's a lot more disassembly, most of which is through the glove box opening. Not so hard in a non A/C car.

Your FSM is your friend here... and take the front seat out.

Don't try to remove and replace the dash. Yes, it's easier to do the heater core with the dash out, but it's a not a job that you want to tackle. I've done it... You don't want to.

Is it leaking? Do you drive it when it's cold out? You can easily loop the heater hose and bypass the heater core completely.

 

[70_NPORT]

Epic thread coming...

Haha..not so sure yet.

 

[70_NPORT]

Inside the car. It comes out from under the dash.

In an A/C car, there's a lot more disassembly, most of which is through the glove box opening. Not so hard in a non A/C car.

Your FSM is your friend here... and take the front seat out.

Don't try to remove and replace the dash. Yes, it's easier to do the heater core with the dash out, but it's a not a job that you want to tackle. I've done it... You don't want to.

Is it leaking? Do you drive it when it's cold out? You can easily loop the heater hose and bypass the heater core completely.

Yes. I'm seeing a tiny green dribble coming down out of the bottom of the heater vent (ontop of the trans hump). Occasionally I'll get a whiff of something that smells sweet; coolant. Yes I occasionally drive when it is cold out..so need the heater. I have an FSM, but its definitely possible to pull the whole thing down and out W/O removing the dash then? I feel a little better.

 

[live4theking]

I know it isn't the same car, but when I was about 20 and knew nothing about working on cars I changed the on in my first 68 NYer. I think it took me between 3 and 4 hours. By nature I move slowly when tearing into something I've never done before. So, I was moving slowly and did the job in a parking lot with the most basic of tools.

 

[Big_John]

Yes. I'm seeing a tiny green dribble coming down out of the bottom of the heater vent (ontop of the trans hump). Occasionally I'll get a whiff of something that smells sweet; coolant. Yes I occasionally drive when it is cold out..so need the heater. I have an FSM, but its definitely possible to pull the whole thing down and out W/O removing the dash then? I feel a little better.

That is correct.... and believe me, you do not want to remove the dash.

Do you have A/C?

 

[70_NPORT]

I know it isn't the same car, but when I was about 20 and knew nothing about working on cars I changed the on in my first 68 NYer. I think it took me between 3 and 4 hours. By nature I move slowly when tearing into something I've never done before. So, I was moving slowly and did the job in a parking lot with the most basic of tools.

You had no problems with it after that?

 

[70_NPORT]

That is correct.... and believe me, you do not want to remove the dash.

Do you have A/C?

yes

 

[saforwardlook]

I have done this several times. Definitely no fun with difficult to access fasteners. But it can be done with the dash in place. Access is tight and you will likely be swearing. Accessing the center a/c outlet duct is challenging without messing things up but again doable. Glove box out of course, which is hard to do keeping it in one piece. Getting duct off of right spot cooler will likely break it even if you are careful, but you might get lucky. Just be in a good mood to start with and work your way through it. And the end, you will be in a bad mood, but also thankful that the job is done.

 

[70_NPORT]

I have done this several times. Definitely no fun with difficult to access fasteners. But it can be done with the dash in place. Access is tight and you will likely be swearing. Accessing the center a/c outlet duct is challenging without messing things up but again doable. Glove box out of course, which is hard to do keeping it in one piece. Getting duct off of right spot cooler will likely break it even if you are careful, but you might get lucky. Just be in a good mood to start with and work your way througb/h it. And the end, you will be in a bad mood, but also thankful that the job is done.

Yeah I got some decisions to make about this.

 

[tallhair]

Just be in a good mood to start with and work your way through it. And the end, you will be in a bad mood, but also thankful that the job is done.

When you start to get mad ... Stop. Go have a beer, and if you smoke, a cigarette. Come back later

This tactic works for me almost all the time. Once I'm calmer and think about it I realize what's causing me the issue or what combo of tools and approach i need to get at or go on what I'm working on.

yes take the extra time to take out the seat ... it will make it easier and save time and frustration in the long run ;)

 

[tallhair]

Stop. Go have a beer, and if you smoke, a cigarette. Come back later

P.S. when I don't follow my own advice I usually cuss, break and or throw stuff or all three

 

[BigCRig]

Inside the car. It comes out from under the dash.

In an A/C car, there's a lot more disassembly, most of which is through the glove box opening. Not so hard in a non A/C car.

Your FSM is your friend here... and take the front seat out.

Don't try to remove and replace the dash. Yes, it's easier to do the heater core with the dash out, but it's a not a job that you want to tackle. I've done it... You don't want to.
stupid question! what is "FSM"for I too have to replace one in my 66 NewYorker, non a/c car. thx. for all the useful advice, and if you haven't purchased your core RockAuto has them I paid a few bucks more 6 I think for the premium unit.
Is it leaking? Do you drive it when it's cold out? You can easily loop the heater hose and bypass the heater core completely.

 

[Big_John]

what is "FSM"for I too have to replace one in my 66 NewYorker, non a/c car. thx. for all the useful advice, and if you haven't purchased your core RockAuto has them I paid a few bucks more 6 I think for the premium unit.

FSM is shorthand for Factory Service Manual.

 

[70_NPORT]

I don't drink beer at all (or smoke), but I get the gist of your meaning, lol.

 

[twostick]

I don't drink beer at all (or smoke), but I get the gist of your meaning, lol.

Liquor is an acceptable substitute...

Kevin

 

[70_NPORT]

 

[commando1]

I'm going to miss him. He's on his way to Mars now.

 

[70_NPORT]

Guess you'll have to take his place Stan.