Should I replace the heater core?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: CO
Should I replace the heater core?
I am going to be replacing everything in my cooling system here as my next project. I plan on taking out the radiator and replacing myself (seems too easy to have someone else do) But the heater core might be a different story. It seems to me that this could develop into a pain in the ****. What I am thinking is to replace rad, and all hoses then taking it in and having the core replaced. But is it that hard to get to? Do I have to disassmble most of the dash? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (flood)
There have been several posts on the heater core and there is some good information on some of the member's Web sites.
Apparently, if you don't have A/C, the HC can be changed from the engine compartment relatively easily. I have A/C and I have to say, "pain in the ****" is a supreme understatement.
I replaced all of my duct foam and pulled the seats & carpet to put down heat barrier at the same time as the HC replacement, but I don't think that added too much to the job. I am a slow worker, but it took me about 12 hours to replace my HC :eek:
Also, if you still have your radiator shroud, don't expect the radiator replacement to be too easy. On my '77, I removed the fan & fan clutch (not the hood though) and was able to remove the radiator. Putting it back in is a little trickier. I put the shroud back in first and then the radiator. This is also a good time to replace the sealing foam around the radiator, hoses, and belts, and to examine your lower radiator support for excessive rust. An extra pair of hands would be very helpful in "wiggling" the radiator back into place.
Good Luck. Be sure to post any specific questions and your results.
Apparently, if you don't have A/C, the HC can be changed from the engine compartment relatively easily. I have A/C and I have to say, "pain in the ****" is a supreme understatement.
I replaced all of my duct foam and pulled the seats & carpet to put down heat barrier at the same time as the HC replacement, but I don't think that added too much to the job. I am a slow worker, but it took me about 12 hours to replace my HC :eek:
Also, if you still have your radiator shroud, don't expect the radiator replacement to be too easy. On my '77, I removed the fan & fan clutch (not the hood though) and was able to remove the radiator. Putting it back in is a little trickier. I put the shroud back in first and then the radiator. This is also a good time to replace the sealing foam around the radiator, hoses, and belts, and to examine your lower radiator support for excessive rust. An extra pair of hands would be very helpful in "wiggling" the radiator back into place.
Good Luck. Be sure to post any specific questions and your results.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (flood)
If you have AC, it's about 8 hours book rate of a mechanic. I had mine done at Tony's Corvette in Gaithersburg Maryland. They documented the procedure for me and I put together a web page on the process.
http://www.annapolis.net/members/jul...e/HeatCore.htm
Personally, it was the best $400 I spent. :D
http://www.annapolis.net/members/jul...e/HeatCore.htm
Personally, it was the best $400 I spent. :D
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: CO
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (paul79)
No AC, this sounds like one of those times Im actually glad not to have ac. The hoses running to the heater core look easy enough to get to, but you still have to get under the dash to get to the core right? I have done one on my other car and I had to tear out almost the complete dash to get to it. Im thinking that taking it in will save me the aggrivation, but if its not too bad I want to do it myself.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (flood)
Flood, since you do not have A/C, here is how to do it. One hour job at most 
.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...&a=7422869&f=0
.http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...&a=7422869&f=0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1
From: (Temporarily) Colorado Springs Colorado
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (Juliet)
Great documentation Juliet & Paul. Don't you just love it? $300 labor to replace a $20 part. :mad I had my 82 TBird heater core replaced and that is what it cost me. I had it replaced because it is one of my daily beaters. On the Vette, if it went bad, I would just bypass it. It really doesn't get that cold around here during the times I would want to cruise. :cool:
[Modified by The Wanderer, 4:27 AM 8/5/2001]
[Modified by The Wanderer, 4:27 AM 8/5/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (flood)
Wanderer. In $CDN that would be 8 hours at $80.00 per=$640 plus about $80.00 for the core. That is about $460US. And someone made an excellent point in one post: check the new core for leaks before you install it. You do not want to do the job twice :( .
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: CO
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (paul79)
Sweet, I didn't know that the blower cover came off like that. But then again, thats why I asked Well, cool looks like I just need to order some parts and take a good look at what all I need to do. Thanks for the great link , I agree very well documented and a great help to me.
Well, cool looks like I just need to order some parts and take a good look at what all I need to do. Thanks for the great link , I agree very well documented and a great help to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 1
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (paul79)
Encouraged by Pauls web page I did the core in mine. I ran into two problems that you may or may not run into. Taking the old core out was no problem. Putting the new one in I found the hole in the firewall was just a little to tight so I opened it up about an 1/8" using a dremel tool, piece of cake. Then I found that there was a spring metal clip on the inside of the cavity towards the center that was just not gonna let me get the new core in. I think the cores are just different enough that the clip didn't fit on the new core, and the clip couldn't be removed without taking the hole heater apart inside the car -not an option at that time. So I put a little cutoff wheel on the dremel tool and used it to cut part of the clip away. I think the clip held the old core tight but the new core is very tight in its housing, using the clip on the outer side. You'll see when you get in there, if you even have the clips, your car may be different than my 71.
That dremel tool has come in handy a number of times...essential part of my tool collection!
good luck
Chris
That dremel tool has come in handy a number of times...essential part of my tool collection!
good luck
Chris
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (71roadster)
Sorry if I led you astray :(. I did not have the problem you described. I did notice that parts counters will tend to give you a generic Chevrolet core. You are absolutely correct: measure the new unit very carefully as even a 1/8" difference can cause some misery. Having said that, I do not believe that a 1/8" greater dimension on that rectangular hole will cause any problems. Or even be ever noticed by anyone. It is covered by the blower cover. On the sunny side, the next core transplant operation will be easier . In 10 years, of course....
. In 10 years, of course....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
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From: Reston VA
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (paul79)
One thing I would add on the radiator removal and replacement. Budget for new radiator mounting support bushings these little rubber rascals dont hold up and you wont want to use them again. Also the mouting hardware is not that expensive so I would recommend getting new bolts to finish the job and know it was done right. When I removed and replaced the heater core I also went through the entire heating system. Dash was pulled out and all the ductwork check, everything that needed to be replaced was as I did not want to do it again. New fan motor, lever cables, etc. We also ran some cut off valves on the heater hoses so that in the summer that hot anti freeze is not cycling through the radiator core and making my interior any hotter than necessary since my car is also AC delete. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: CO
Re: Should I replace the heater core? (ScubaJKD)
Im pretty lazy, I don't think that I want to tear apart the dash yet. I will get to that when I do the stereo and speakers. But it is a good idea. I need to check the heater door (heat blows in through the heater when its off). As well as fix the clock, etc.