Heater core
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Perth W.A
Heater core
well it seems as though i have to replace a heater core 
just wondering if it can be done by going under the passenger side dash?
what needs to come off and what doesn't?
i can't drive it until this is fixed, please help!
just wondering if it can be done by going under the passenger side dash?
what needs to come off and what doesn't?
i can't drive it until this is fixed, please help!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 54
From: Sandwich Illinois
Heater core
Take my word for it---Bypass the heater core--connect the two hoses with a piece of pipe--It's a real bear of a job--ask me how I know!!
Others will tell you it's not bad, but I have 12 hours in this job and I'm still at it! If you can afford it, have someone who has done it before fix your car!
Corvette Central Part # 304782 Bypass kit.
Others will tell you it's not bad, but I have 12 hours in this job and I'm still at it! If you can afford it, have someone who has done it before fix your car!
Corvette Central Part # 304782 Bypass kit.
Last edited by Itshakes; Jul 17, 2009 at 05:46 PM. Reason: Addl. info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
I wouldn't drive without heat.
Take off what's in the way and remove it; reverse the order to install. For me, that's the Top Pad; the passenger Crash Pad; the passenger a/c Ductwork; the ECM and anything else that I felt like. Depending on Year, replace the Flashers, the Bose AMP Relay and reseal the Ductwork with Duct Tape or whatever you can find at Home Depot. Put down some paper or plastic too - the heater plenum has some sort of sticky sealant on it that can get on the carpet to say nothing of residual coolant.
Take off what's in the way and remove it; reverse the order to install. For me, that's the Top Pad; the passenger Crash Pad; the passenger a/c Ductwork; the ECM and anything else that I felt like. Depending on Year, replace the Flashers, the Bose AMP Relay and reseal the Ductwork with Duct Tape or whatever you can find at Home Depot. Put down some paper or plastic too - the heater plenum has some sort of sticky sealant on it that can get on the carpet to say nothing of residual coolant.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 6
I'd just bypass it now and wait for cooler weather! That's what I did with mine when it sprung a leak.
Depending on the year, it can be done without removing the dash. There's a 'fastguy' method referenced here in the forum and that should help. On my 93, the dash had to come apart, but I had detailed instructions to follow. I didn't have any problems with mine, but I did it a little each night, and walked away when I was out of patience
Good luck
Depending on the year, it can be done without removing the dash. There's a 'fastguy' method referenced here in the forum and that should help. On my 93, the dash had to come apart, but I had detailed instructions to follow. I didn't have any problems with mine, but I did it a little each night, and walked away when I was out of patience
Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 0
From: In the land of a Horse with no name
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I did this 7 years ago, and I find I need to do it again. *!@#%*#
First I made a by-pass using copper plumbing fittings to fashion a "U" with fittings to fit the two hose sizes. Worked fine and cost about $3. As to the core removal/install I had to take the entire dash apart on my '91 vert. Looked like a bomb went off. Took 3 days. I wish there was a better way. Seems like the GM engineers designed the C4 by starting with the heater core sitting on a sawhorse and built the car around it. Wish these folks had to work on what they design. Lol. Good luck.
First I made a by-pass using copper plumbing fittings to fashion a "U" with fittings to fit the two hose sizes. Worked fine and cost about $3. As to the core removal/install I had to take the entire dash apart on my '91 vert. Looked like a bomb went off. Took 3 days. I wish there was a better way. Seems like the GM engineers designed the C4 by starting with the heater core sitting on a sawhorse and built the car around it. Wish these folks had to work on what they design. Lol. Good luck.
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Perth W.A
ok to bypass it, can i just connect the inlet/outlet hoses together in the engine bay? or do i need to get under the dash and bypass it under there? if it is the case to go under the dash, then i may as well replace it while i was there!?
i just bought a service manual, and it seems quite complex! considering i am new to vettes, i think i will be getting it done from a mechanic!
thanks for your help!
i just bought a service manual, and it seems quite complex! considering i am new to vettes, i think i will be getting it done from a mechanic!
thanks for your help!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
my car came with a hot water bypass valve. When i open it, I've got heat, and when i close it I dont. I keep it closed all summer, helps the ac work better too. I think a PO probably replaced the core, and installed the bypass to get more life out of the new one.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Perth W.A
Ok i am trying the Fastguy method! i have taken out the passenger seat and looked under the dash!
the "hush" panel is the plastic bit under the dash correct? i took that off! now all i can see are millions of wires and the fuses!
What is the ECM? where is it and where is the door control module?
also the door support bracket? i can't see anything under there!
thanks
any help appreciated!
the "hush" panel is the plastic bit under the dash correct? i took that off! now all i can see are millions of wires and the fuses!
What is the ECM? where is it and where is the door control module?
also the door support bracket? i can't see anything under there!
thanks
any help appreciated!
