Begginning Fastguy Method - Heater Core
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Begginning Fastguy Method - Heater Core
I just got off of work and decided that I should do something productive today. Like changing the heater core. 
Just pulled the seat, that's the easy part
(i haven't vacuumed in a while)
Pray for me guys.
Just pulled the seat, that's the easy part
(i haven't vacuumed in a while)Pray for me guys.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Quick question, i know i have to drain antifreeze, should i just drain a little bit so its not up to the heater core level? I don't really want to drain out all of the antifreeze lol I'm trying 2 save some cash here.
Thanks
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: MD
Dont let this place scare you. I did my heater core in my 89 and it was an easy job in my opinion. I did mine by pulling the seat and laying on my back too.
You dont need to drain the entire cooling system, and you can certainly reuse the coolant if you drain it into a clean pan.
You dont need to drain the entire cooling system, and you can certainly reuse the coolant if you drain it into a clean pan.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Metairie Louisiana
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Are the current heater core tubes made out of metal, or are they still made out of plastic?
I replaced the lower heater hose on my 89, and I heard when you replace the hoses, the plastic tubes of the heater core can crack. But, I'm in the middle of a coolant flush with distilled water, and I've gotten it up to temp 2-3 times and so far, no leak. So, I'm hoping nothing got cracked.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: WV
If you clamp off the hoses where they go through the firewall and then remove them you will not lose much coolant at all, just a couple ounces..Also once you remove the hoses from the core, hook up a short piece of hose to one of the inlets and using your mouth blow the coolant out of the core into a cup , this will stop you from getting it all over the inside floor when you remove it from under the dash...WW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
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From: Metairie Louisiana
I just replaced my lower hose yesterday with a solid piece hose deleting the restrictor from the hose. It didn't come off easily at first. I ended up cutting it along the lenght of the hose by the clamp. The end of the core where the hose attached on mine was metal. If I start smelling coolant I will be
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
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From: Custer, WI
I just finished pulling out the old core with the help of my cousin, we had to use the rotary tool to cut the rubber hose off of the core, it was molded on there pretty good. It was shot anyways so it don't matter
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
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From: Custer, WI
More progress during my 1 hour adventure today, started putting the new core in only to find that the tubes aren't in the correct place..did a bit of bending and it fits perfect.
Now off to work...
Now off to work...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
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From: Santa Maria CA
A tip
After the heater core is in and hoses clamped on, don't reinstall anything back just yet. Go to autozone and rent their cooling system pressure tester. Fill the radiator and pressurize the system with the tool to no more than your radator cap's pressure rating. Make sure that new heater core ain't leaking. You don't want to put everything back together only to find that your still have a leak and you have to tear everything back out again to redo.
Last edited by 86PACER; Oct 28, 2009 at 09:08 PM.