Heater Core Removal.........

[Richard Cooper]

I want to remove the heater core on my friends 81 with AC and was wondering if anyone could give me any time saving tips. Is it really as hard as everyone says or is it just time comsuming? We have a new core and a new set of gaskets just need some advise. Will I have to discharge the AC unit or can it just be moved out of the way? Thanks for any help.

 

[Macgyver]

The AC was a sinch for me. Those 20 year old bolts just came right out w/ no problems. Theres just like three or four bolts that need to come out and a belt that you can ditch. The heater core sounds like a mother to me. Good luck there.

 

[Harv]

Someone once told me that the way they build our Vettes is ,they set a heater core on the assembly line and then build the rest of the car around it!
Just had a corvette mechanic change mine and it took nearly four hours. So good luck, and allow yourself alot of time.

 

[berky2500]

The AC only affects the size of the heater core and arrangement, you shouldn't have to touch it though. As for the heater core, like has been said, take your time, it takes a while. the passenger dash and some of the center dash has to come out to get to it. Take the passenger seat out, it is much more comfortable when lying upside down on your back.

 

[goingballistic]

I want to remove the heater core on my friends 81 with AC and was wondering if anyone could give me any time saving tips. Is it really as hard as everyone says or is it just time comsuming? We have a new core and a new set of gaskets just need some advise. Will I have to discharge the AC unit or can it just be moved out of the way? Thanks for any help.

I just finished a complete removal last night and am documenting what I did, pics and all,right now I have a complete write up of how to do it. If it helps you, send me an email and I'll forward to you what I've got. I plan to send it to Rob for posting when I'm finished with the pics. Cheers

 

[Dave L.]

I'd be interested in knowing the ins and outs of that procedure for future use.

 

[goingballistic]

No prob Burglar, I'll send it to Rob when I'm done and he can post the whole thing. I just put the new one and it leaks..........here we go again, hopefully be finished by the end of the week and may be seeing some fireworks in WNY at the Advanced Auto parts store when I return this NEW core to them.......ad


Paul.

 

[Dave L.]

Thanks Paul. I feel your pain.

 

[goingballistic]

This is now a piece of cake, got the core out in less than an hour last night new one goes in tonight.

BURGLAR: Thanks for the heart felt comment but you'll feel the pain when you do this.................I've lost all the skin on my knuckles, multiple cuts and abrasions. The nice thing about this REDO is that I really took the time to photograph EVERTHING as I took it apart this time, so the doc should be very complete when you get ready.

CAUTION: the core I bought from Advanced Auto, the weld was cracked, hence the leak ( crappy solder joint on the inlet pipe), I also noticed that the inlet pipe is not bent at the same angle the stock OEM core is. I'll post pics of this later but this may have contributed to the crack in the solder joint as it very well may have "stressed" the inlet when I tightened everything back down. Oh well live and learn.

 

[gearshift]

Smoke and steam is coming out of the vents and the smell of anti-freeze is heavy. I am going to replace my heater core. Can you send me your directions? Thanks. marc@pmtechnology.biz