The heater core in my 92 LT1 needs to be replaced. From what I've read in the Forum this project is a major pain. Is there anyone who could give me some helpful advice on doing this repair? Like detailed instructions so I'll know what I'm up against. Thanks, Ed

 

bypass it

That's what I'm gonna do if/when my heater core dies.

But, there are a few heater core survivors floating around on the forum, maybe they can help you.

 

It is THE major PITA. I don't have time to go into it now, I will write back later this evening.
I have put 2 in so I know a little about it.

 

It's really not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, it's just that there is a lot to take apart. I outlined the basic procedure in this thread:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...re&forum_id=48

Hopefully grayml can fill in some details.

 

If you really want to do it, we can all help you. It is etched in my memory for all eternity. As are the permanent scars on my back from laying on the floor of the passenger side with the entire seat removed and my feet back in the hatch area and those darn studs digging into my back from time to time. My horror story is that it took me only about four top five hours of actual time that I spaced out over two weeks. Of course I could do it faster now, that I don't have to hunt down every nut and screw holding this and that together. But, I was quoted anywhere from $300-525 from several local vette garages. I'm a big do-it-yourselfer as most of us are with these cars. But I will say, that even $525 would be a bargin for the time a frustration. just my two cents.

 

I appreciate the help. The area of the country where I live is cool and wet nine months of the year so it's almost a necessity to have a good defroster if not a heater. When I first bought the automobile I thought it was just slow to warm up but then I discovered the previous owner had disconnected or bypassed the heater core(bad core). I've already ordered a new core but I understand deal with the air conditioning is the hardest part of the project. Thanks again!

 

 

First things first...check to see if it's just blocked and not totally bad. Every 2 years I've had to "backflush" mine to clear it out...they are bad about collecting trash in them. Very easy process because you can use the 2 hoses running down the passenger side to do this. I simply put the water hose into 1 hose (clamped it on for a good fit), turned on the hose, and watched the crap flow out. I would go back and forth between the 2 hoses until it was clear from both directions, and it heated up fine after the process. Just trying to save you a ton of effort here.

 

OK, here goes............

First, I would take the new heater core to a radiator shop to make sure it has no leaks. You do not want the warm fuzzy feeling of smelling coolant after reassemly or mopping up the same out of the carpet.

Start this on the morning of a day when you won't need to drive the vette. The first time you do this the first time will take 5-6 hours, you MUST take your time, don't lose your temper and note where everything was located. I took digital pictures as I progressed to help my terrible memory.

Disconnect the heater hoses (obviously).

Remove the entire dash pad. Yes, it is hard to replace exactly as it was installed. There are two bolt under the top vents too, don't forget those. I have an 18" extension bar that I bought just for this reason. Made the job a lot easier.
Plus, remove the right side vents, there are screws under there as well. And on the right there are some that you can only get to from the outside.

Disconnect the battery

Remove the airbag.

Remove the entire lower panel on the right side. There will be the knee bolster and a metal support behind this that also supports some wire routing with some tape or cable ties to cut. Some of the cruise control assembly is here too. Some of these bolts you can only get to from the outside on the right side.

Disconnect air ducting.

Mark for orientation and disconnect all the wiring under the right side.

Remove the seat. Get a big thick blanket, or several, and make a pad to lay on. The seat bolts will still sting but not as bad. Foam sleeping pads work well too.

This next was a tip from the vette mechanic at the local dealer-there are several rivets that hold the right side dash frame to the rest of the assembly. Drill these out and remove the frame. He told me this after my 2nd installation so verify if these are present.

At this point you will be able to see the heater core box. There are screws all around the perimeter, and you will cuss a bit trying to get to them. I cussed a lot

There is a rod that operates the air duct door, held in place by a plastic clamp. VERY carefully unlock the clamp and disconnect the rod after marking where the rod was clamped.

Once the cover is loosened-you do not have to fully remove it-remove the bracket at the bottom of the heater core that holds it in place. This MUST go back in or the heater core will shift in the box after a short while and the result is some of the air will not be forced through the core. I know, I had it happen.

Slip in the new heater core. It will take some twisting and turning to get the inlet & outlet pipes through their openings.

Now go treat yourself to a nice dinner after reassembly. You earned it.

The local dealer quoted me $440 for labor to do the same job. If you have the money and little free time let them do it.

Some of you may have different procedures, this is what I wrote after the last one and it worked for me. I don't think I left out any details but if I did please add them in.

 

And this procedure was for my 94, a 92 should be very close if not exactly the same.

 

This was my last expense for heater core back this last april 22 of $927.
pressure test cooling system for leaks $ 38.
replace heater core includes removal of dash and evaporator core $ 753.
replace heater core hoses $ 104.
supplies $ 16.
taxes16.

 

I'll try your suggestion to back flush the heater core. It would really make my day if that fixed the problem.

 

grayml
The new core should arrive the first of next week. I'm not sure if I will atempt tearing into it now or wait until later this summer to do the repair. Thank you for the information and the time and trouble you went to. When I do start work on it I would like to be able to contact you if I have any questions. The installation steps you gave me will help a lot. Thanks again, Ed

 

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hey Fast Eddiz-just contact me anytime and I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have.
If it helps your morale, while I was sweating and cussing I was also thinking of all the money that I was saving by doing it myself, money that I later spent in mods.