86 Heater Core, HELP!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
86 Heater Core, HELP!!!!
Hi, I'm usually found over at the C2 forum but my 86 convertible blew the heater core this afternoon on the drive home. Smoke rolling out the dash vents, passenger side flooded with antifreeze, the works 
.
I've searched the archives and it seems that it's either removal of most of the dash or the "fastguy" method. However, the archive link to the "fastguy" method didn't work.
I should explain that I'm the type that needs plenty of pictures along with a written description. Sadly, my Haynes manual is devoid of either. The precedure in it consists of a picture of the interior of car with description basically reading "remove all items in picture, replace heater core, replace all items in picture".
Does anyone have a good detailed description of this that has a few pics? The "breadbox" is confusing and the passenger side knee pad also.
Any help would be truly appreciated. Paul
. I've searched the archives and it seems that it's either removal of most of the dash or the "fastguy" method. However, the archive link to the "fastguy" method didn't work.
I should explain that I'm the type that needs plenty of pictures along with a written description. Sadly, my Haynes manual is devoid of either. The precedure in it consists of a picture of the interior of car with description basically reading "remove all items in picture, replace heater core, replace all items in picture".
Does anyone have a good detailed description of this that has a few pics? The "breadbox" is confusing and the passenger side knee pad also.
Any help would be truly appreciated. Paul
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 1
From: Scappoose Oregon
St. Jude Donor '11,'14
This is the only link that I have:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1479289
See post 9 in both threads:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...m_id=48&arch=1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...st+guy+fastguy
Here are some more with info:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...st+guy+fastguy
Hope this helps.
Kevin
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1479289
See post 9 in both threads:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...m_id=48&arch=1
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...st+guy+fastguy
Here are some more with info:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...st+guy+fastguy
Hope this helps.
Kevin
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
You can do this entire job from under the dash. Take out the passenger seat so you can lay down, drop the ecm down out of it's holder and push it up as far above your head, (as you are laying down) as you can, take a 7mm socket & ratchet and start taking the bolts out around the perimeter of the case. There are two on top that you will need a mirror and a swivel socket to remove. Once you get the case apart you will have two more 7mm screws holding the heater core in. Once these are out it just slides out of the box. There are of course other steps but they are obvious and you will know what needs to be done when you get under there. Pics are almost impossible given the location
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
You can do this entire job from under the dash. Take out the passenger seat so you can lay down, drop the ecm down out of it's holder and push it up as far above your head, (as you are laying down) as you can, take a 7mm socket & ratchet and start taking the bolts out around the perimeter of the case. There are two on top that you will need a mirror and a swivel socket to remove. Once you get the case apart you will have two more 7mm screws holding the heater core in. Once these are out it just slides out of the box. There are of course other steps but they are obvious and you will know what needs to be done when you get under there. Pics are almost impossible given the location
Taking the seat out makes a world of a difference! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
AGENT 86 you have done the near impossible! Actually you have a better camera than I do, mine would have turned out fuzzy pics at the close quarters under the dash. If the pics don't help they'll scare he11 out of anybody getting ready to do this job. 
I especially like the last pic, I felt the same way when I was finished.
pda1964, the only other thing I can add is make sure you get a top quality NEW heater core, it's obvious you don't want to do this job twice.
I especially like the last pic, I felt the same way when I was finished.
pda1964, the only other thing I can add is make sure you get a top quality NEW heater core, it's obvious you don't want to do this job twice.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Thank you to all! I intend to start the dissassembly tomorrow after I pick up the new heater core. Today, I'm having to clean up the mess
. Removing the seat isn't an issue as it has to be done to remove the anitfreeze soaked carpet. It was quite an experience when it blew. No small drip and slight anitfreeze smell for me!
Thanks to Agent 86 for the pics. They are what I was hoping for and gives me an idea of just how this thing comes apart and how sore I'll be from laying on my back working overhead in a cramped space. The last pic is a real gem.
Forum guys are the best, as always
. Thanks.
Paul
. Removing the seat isn't an issue as it has to be done to remove the anitfreeze soaked carpet. It was quite an experience when it blew. No small drip and slight anitfreeze smell for me!Thanks to Agent 86 for the pics. They are what I was hoping for and gives me an idea of just how this thing comes apart and how sore I'll be from laying on my back working overhead in a cramped space. The last pic is a real gem.
Forum guys are the best, as always
. Thanks.Paul
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 443
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From: Pueblo Colorado
Agent 86.... That last pic is puuuurrrrrffffect... But you still left out the Zippo method.
What in the world is the thing on the side of your air-box that says "Reference" on it?
After doing this my-self recently all i can add is that if you weigh in over 150lbs pull the dash frame. Getting to the side impact reinforcment bar is almost impossible to me any other way.
What in the world is the thing on the side of your air-box that says "Reference" on it?
After doing this my-self recently all i can add is that if you weigh in over 150lbs pull the dash frame. Getting to the side impact reinforcment bar is almost impossible to me any other way.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,305
Likes: 241
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Okay Guys, the old core is out without too many problems, but when I pulled the housing cover a little piece curved duct fell out,
(for a pic of the part see here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...+core+removal).
Can anyone tell how and where it goes back?? Thanks, Paul.
(for a pic of the part see here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...+core+removal).
Can anyone tell how and where it goes back?? Thanks, Paul.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,305
Likes: 241
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
The duct goes onto the nipple of the shapely duct that feeds the door glass defog.
And it fits back into the round hole in cover.
Which direction it points, I have no idea because mine fell off too and I just stuck it back on.
And it fits back into the round hole in cover.
Which direction it points, I have no idea because mine fell off too and I just stuck it back on.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,844
Likes: 30
Agent 86.... That last pic is puuuurrrrrffffect... But you still left out the Zippo method.
What in the world is the thing on the side of your air-box that says "Reference" on it?
After doing this my-self recently all i can add is that if you weigh in over 150lbs pull the dash frame. Getting to the side impact reinforcment bar is almost impossible to me any other way.
What in the world is the thing on the side of your air-box that says "Reference" on it?
After doing this my-self recently all i can add is that if you weigh in over 150lbs pull the dash frame. Getting to the side impact reinforcment bar is almost impossible to me any other way.
Last edited by Da Mail Man; Mar 10, 2007 at 06:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Success!! It is changed out. Thank you to everyone who responded with advice. It was a tough job, but the pics and directions made it clear as a bell. As I said, forum guys are the best!
