Heater Core Swap - nightmare???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
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From: CT, USA
Heater Core Swap - nightmare???
Blew the heater core this spring and ran a bypass for the summer months. I can get some more good cruising in if I get the heat working. How much of a pain in the azz should I expect. Any tips from anyone that's lived through it would be much appreciated. Thanks! :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
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From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (rafox77)
I did this just this spring, not too bad of a job (harder if you have a/c)
Pointers.... take your time. Test the new core prior to installation (my NEW one leaked) Replace hoses while you are at it. Be gentle with the inlet/outlet tubes of core, they are NOT install handles. :D
Pointers.... take your time. Test the new core prior to installation (my NEW one leaked) Replace hoses while you are at it. Be gentle with the inlet/outlet tubes of core, they are NOT install handles. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (rafox77)
I have AC and I don't consider it a fun job.
Not terribly difficult, but a lot of disassembly just to get to the thing.
You could be positive and look at it as an opportunity to do other projects: duct seal work (as previously suggested), heat barrier under the carpets (I had to take my passenger carpet out to clean the coolant off so I decided to take it all out), and a cooling system flush & fill. There are probably other while-your-at-its there somewhere.
Just give yourself plenty of time. It's a good weekend project.
Oh, it pays to have a pic (like from the AIM) to see where everything goes. If I remember correctly there were four bolts holding the heater cover on; three were inside the cab, one was on the engine side of the firewall :crazy:
Good Luck.
[Modified by jerryp58, 5:00 PM 10/2/2002]
Not terribly difficult, but a lot of disassembly just to get to the thing.
You could be positive and look at it as an opportunity to do other projects: duct seal work (as previously suggested), heat barrier under the carpets (I had to take my passenger carpet out to clean the coolant off so I decided to take it all out), and a cooling system flush & fill. There are probably other while-your-at-its there somewhere.
Just give yourself plenty of time. It's a good weekend project.
Oh, it pays to have a pic (like from the AIM) to see where everything goes. If I remember correctly there were four bolts holding the heater cover on; three were inside the cab, one was on the engine side of the firewall :crazy:
Good Luck.
[Modified by jerryp58, 5:00 PM 10/2/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (rafox77)
I agree with the above comments; especially about testing it on the garage floor with the heater hoses connected before installing it. I also agree with being gentle on the inlet/outlet tubes. They don't fit easily in the cradle. Don't tighten down the bands holding the core body until you get the tubes down in the cradle and tight. The stress from the tubes could make the new core leak where they enter the core body. Be careful. Also, buy a new seal kit to replace all your duct seals. Work slowly. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 186
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From: CT, USA
Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (rafox77)
Thanks to all who replied. Doesn't sound as easy as I'd wished it would be. I'll have to decide if I want to tackle it or let my pro do it. Any ideas on how much it might cost me if I go that way?
Thanks again!
(TTT please)
Thanks again!
(TTT please)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
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From: Maryland
Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (virtue4u)
Here are some photos of the process on a '70 with AC. I didn't do the work on this myslef, Tony's Corvette shop did it for me. :D
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm
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Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (rafox77)
Come on now, don't be afraid to dive in. It's just a matter of putting everything back together the way it came apart. Mine was easy as the interior is gutted and the body is still off the frame (til sunday!). A new core costs about $65 + shipping, most shops are probably going to mark it up, and get you for at least 8 hours maybe ($50.00/hour?) As previously suggested, it's not that bad of a job, and you will know when it's done that it was done right. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
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From: CT, USA
Re: Heater Core Swap - nightmare??? (Big Fish)
Maybe you're right, but I might just wait till the driving season is over, then I can really take my time and take care of the rest of the "while you're at it" stuff. Thanks again for the info and encouragement, I'll let everyone know how it works out.
Rick
:cheers:
Rick
:cheers: