Help on Removing Heater Core! Super Sore Back.

[gearshift]

12 hours later, I removed the leaky heater core. I still have to test and install. Should be easier than removal. Here is my advise to anyone with a similar situation. Take it to the shop and pay the $400.



Anyone who has replaced a heater core please advise on how to remove the black box that covers the core. I have removed about six small bolts, unplugged some connections and six hours later, the box won't give.

Super frustrating, as I have not even seen the core yet. The box has slipped down about three inches and I have pulled hard and cracked the bottom.

Is their some mysterious nut that I can't possibly see or get too?

 

[berky2500]

Do you have the heater control cable disconnected? The box is a tight fit and if I remember had to be rotated a little to be slid out of the dash. It only comes out one way and brute force didn't make it come out. I remember being there for 45 minutes trying to get it out.
Do you have the dash support brace out? That might give you a little extra room. I think there is also a stud at the top that you have to clear to get the box to slide down.

 

[RoyalViking]

It took me some time to get to the core. I didn't experience the problems mentioned here. One thing to look at is the air damper motor. If it is still connected you will not be able to remove the cover. The box also has a duct that mounts to the front. Remove the radio and then the screw that is in about the center of the dash. This screw holds the duct in place (into the duct work on the divers side). Then there are two screws that hold the duct to the front of the box. More than likely you've aready got those parts off. Did you get to the screws at the top? If not it will not budge. Take a flash light and see if they are still in place. I was able to do this with out removing the dash brace. The box cover is pulled from the right hand side and then slid to the right to pull it fom the larger center duct on the left hand side of the box.

If this helps let me know.

 

[Moonunit 451]

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36239
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=531792&highlight=fastguy+method

 

[gearshift]

I did get the core out and had to remove everything that was listed above- brace, radio, bolt at the top, etc. I put the new core in, and when I stared the motor, fluid came pouring out. The heater box was not sealed, but that is not the problem. I must of bent the core tubes too much and cracked the copper seal or something. I am going to take it into the shop. So 15 hours later, some messed up plastic, I'll be paying for some labor afterall. Thanks.

 

[RoyalViking]

Ouch!

 

[AlcHEmiE]

Just wanted to thank MoonUnit for changing his Avatar I hated the bob one.. heh

 

[tobijohn]

Someone in another thread mentioned that the heater core was the very first part in a Corvette and everything else was assembled around it...