Heater core replacement
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Heater core replacement
Just bought a 96 and unfortunately I have to replace the heater core. I got what I think was a good deal on the car so I'm not too pissed off about this. I have been searching this forum for the last hour and it looks like this job is going to suck. Oh well, I'll deal with it. Anyway, I found a "fast Guy approach" which I will try. I see there is a much mentioned PDF by JetLok, I think. I can't find the actual PDF. Does anyone have it and can you send it to me. Is there anything else I should do while I am replacing the heater core. I plan on getting a GM part and having it pressure tested prior to putting everything back together. Any other thoughts, suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
Do whatever cleaning you can in the evap core so the cool air flow is efficient. These suck in all kinds of trash and it is designed to flow the junk to the edge of the evap coils and collect there so the air stream can go thru the coils and do its trick, but when enough leaves and debris enter thru the windshiled screens it starts to block the evap coils and cooling suffers. When you pull the blower motor and split the evap housing you'll see what I mean.
Flush it out with water and mild soap or use steam if available to loosen the crud in there. Use caution
...its aluminum and under high pressure. Try not to ding it...
Flush it out with water and mild soap or use steam if available to loosen the crud in there. Use caution
...its aluminum and under high pressure. Try not to ding it...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Not sure how the water is plumbed in the later C4's. I pinned the water valve open on my 86 so that the heater core is continuously circulating water. Thus avoiding stagnant water and corrosion in the core.
This might not have much to do with replacement, but definitely helps with maintaining the new unit.
This might not have much to do with replacement, but definitely helps with maintaining the new unit.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 101
From: Decatur, Alabama
The heater core takes a while, yes , the shortcut works but really , following direction isnt that bad just time consuming plus you get to know your "dash" very well and get to wrap stuff in foam and velcro when you put it back together reducing noise and rattles. If your new to working on your car, do it by the book not the shortcut and get to know your c4. DONT psych yourself out on the job, its not really that bad just plan a full day or weekend for the book method .
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
not that bad of a job. Like another person said, don't let it pysch you out. plenty of good advice on the forum. I read it all and jumped in. My little bit of advice is carefully pull, pry things apart. take your time until you know how they come apart or you will brake plastic tabs. remember the orientation of all the wiring harnesses so that when you put it back together you know where it all goes. it's not a hard job but it does suck and I'm glad to be done
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,795
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From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Heater core replacement doing it yourself is very rewarding. Sure it can be a challenge, but well worth it. I have changed my heater core twice in the last 22 years. Its so enjoyable to have the heater again.
Here is my diploma.
Here is my diploma.
1984, 1995, 96, c4, c4heater, core, corvette, corvettec4heater, heater, leak, pdf, replacement, replacing, replacment, tubeinstall
