scorp508

My 87's heater core finally puked its coolant guts at just over 190k miles this past weekend.

So, while I'm pulling the seat to do core are there any other "while you're in there" jobs to consider under that area of the dash? I have some issues with my C68 system so I may look to tackle that at the same time if it ends up being related to the temperature door or vacuum lines.

The only bright spot in this is I have a new set of carpet, seat foam and leather sitting by the car ready to be installed. At least it wasn't the new carpet that got soaked.

WW7

I bought a new heater core 5 years ago and still have not installed it.. I helped a friend do his a while back and it was a nightmare...Believe me, just doing the core will be enough of a job without looking for other things to fix...:...WW

scorp508

Eh... I'm not too concerned. The under dash method is pretty straightforward.

WW7

You would think, but wait until the 30 year old plastic parts start breaking... I wish you the best of luck...WW

vader86

Scorp lives!

Other than checking out connections I can't think of anything.

scorp508

One day at a time.

TA

Holy crap. A Scorp sighting!

How's the old yellow beast doing?...............other than obviously needing a heater core.

scorp508

Not great my friends. My available time has not been kind to her. You can drive her around, but I probably wouldn't be comfortable even lining up against a new VW Bug these days.

In one short drive the other days....

Heater core blew.

The MAF or maybe IAC blew (won't idle without holding the throttle open a touch)

#2 and #6 spark plug boots fell off the spark plugs!!

...a million little things to do in addition to the list above. My wife says (and she's probably right like usual) I should take a week or two off from work and just pound through as many jobs I've been putting off and try to get her more enjoyable again.

VikingTrad3r

hi, the under dash method is fine. the hidden bolt is allright. i used a wobbly set of 1/4 drive with tape around the ujoints combined with a taped flashlight and my iphone camera to find it.

be slow and cautious with the blend door bar. its plastic faster can be bought in the dorman "help" lineup. i got through it without breakingit.

i bought a spectra and it was close butnot a perfect match. it was very very very aggrivating. i had to cut the black heater box enclosure just to get it to fit.

if/when i do it again, im taking my oem one in for a rebuild.

xrav22

To get the upper right one(when you are upside down on your back) I use a 1/4 inch drive extension with a large allen key into the end(a ratchet would not fit). The allen key so small of a footprint was able to remove the bolt. I did not put that one back in.

sprink94

ALL of the hoses in the cooling system.

VikingTrad3r

btw, the top bolt on the diagonal black brace ....i had to grind the socket down in order to fit it on. (i think it was 13mm)

GREGGPENN

I would replace that white connector joining the blend door ROD to the stepper motor!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been awhile since I bought mine (from GM) so I'm sure you have to source it aftermarket now. Someone else may chime in to the correct source. (I'm surprised yours has never broken!!!) You are lucky.

As for the HC job itself, I agree it's a PITA. That brace bolt is the killer. I ended up pulling the dash and rider's facia piece...which was already removable in my setup. Otherwise, I would really have pitched a fit.

Of course, there's the issue that I didn't get the correct core from RockAuto...but hey, Murphy's Law (unless you go to church the Sunday before). LOL

cv67

seeing scorp post is like a samsquamch sighting

dont envy that job sorry no tips keep us posted

What brand core are you using? Sure an Delco is hard to find, hear DeWitts makes a good one

Good to see you post man.

scorp508

I don't know. From the research so far it looks like most of the "new" aftermarket units are aluminum. I may see if a local radiator shop can disassemble and rebuild the original one. I don't want it to be like patching an old brake line and just have the next weak point blow if they patch up whatever broke this time.



Oh if anyone is curious what 30 years of filth may look like... it goes a little something like this.

scorp508

Not that it was necessary, but I jacked up the car tonight to confirm the source of the coolant coming out from under the car in addition to the coolant in the passenger foot well. There's what looks to be a drain hole in the plastic heater core box and it was... well... draining.

If you're not familiar with the underside of a C4 you're looking above the fuel filter which is pretty much under the passenger's feet. I removed the small exhaust shield normally held on with two 8mm bolts to see it.

89dd

Swap out the bread box for a flat dash panel.