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Heater Core

  • Thread starter Thread starter khal101
  • Start date Start date Dec 23, 2003

khal101

Founding Member
Aug 25, 2002
358
0
0
Richmond, VA
Dec 23, 2003
#1
  • Dec 23, 2003
  • #1
You know what?? They SUCK to replace. Never follow the Haynes manual for instructions on how to fix your car. It took me a total of 6 hours to do and then I had to fudge part of it.

Does anyone know the quicker way to replace just so I know.
 

351wcoupe

New Member
Feb 13, 2003
1,811
0
0
Manhattan, Kansas
Dec 23, 2003
#2
  • Dec 23, 2003
  • #2
khal101 said:
You know what?? They SUCK to replace. Never follow the Haynes manual for instructions on how to fix your car. It took me a total of 6 hours to do and then I had to fudge part of it.

Does anyone know the quicker way to replace just so I know.
Click to expand...

I changed one through the glove compartment, without taking the dash off. This method took about an hour and me laying on my back upside and a few choise words.
 
F

frmoss

New Member
Oct 28, 2002
28
0
0
Lawton, Oklahoma
Dec 23, 2003
#3
  • Dec 23, 2003
  • #3
Well, I've replaced two and, yes, they do suck to do. If your car is equipped with A/C, you're screwed. The only method is through the removal of your dash. Non A/C cars are much, much easier.

As for instructions, I used the step-by-step instructions from a MM&FF article. It told me everything I needed to know, to include the trick of using a GM battery terminal wrench on that darned little screw on the top rear of the heater box.
 

351wcoupe

New Member
Feb 13, 2003
1,811
0
0
Manhattan, Kansas
Dec 23, 2003
#4
  • Dec 23, 2003
  • #4
frmoss said:
the trick of using a GM battery terminal wrench on that darned little screw on the top rear of the heater box.
Click to expand...
I used a small wrench for the first few turns and then got the bright idea to use the battery ratchet. Thats definately a helpful tip.
 

boondocksaint

New Member
Aug 31, 2003
75
0
0
Dec 24, 2003
#5
  • Dec 24, 2003
  • #5
when did they stop making it to where it comes out of the glovebox?. seems to me it would be 86. because my 87 looks like it wont come through the glovebox and its non-a/c. looks like another crown vic nightmare. just replaced my wifes heater core in her crown vic. 15 hours total.
 

Lx89Stang05

Founding Member
Oct 18, 2002
1,005
0
0
S.E. Mass
Dec 24, 2003
#6
  • Dec 24, 2003
  • #6
351wcoupe said:
a few choise words.
Click to expand...
i find that to help, but then theres that problem of me trying not to kick my car.
 
K

ka0tyk

Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
1,610
0
0
Los Angeles, CA
Dec 24, 2003
#7
  • Dec 24, 2003
  • #7
yup took me a whole weekend to do mine. a friend with a 89 lx 5.0 had a leaking core, wanted me to help. so i did... i took a hose and bypassed it for him. said "FIXED!" haha.

i will never touch another heater core EVER.
 
L

latroca1

New Member
Apr 30, 2003
234
0
0
martinsburg,West Virginia
Dec 25, 2003
#8
  • Dec 25, 2003
  • #8
I have found an easier way myself i replaced my girlfriends and what a nightmare and the heat still sucks.
So on mine i just used the a/c condensor and can't even keep the heat on low got to love it!!!!

HEEE HEEEE Merry christmas!!!!!!
 

Brantley

Founding Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,329
0
0
Memphis, TN
Dec 25, 2003
#9
  • Dec 25, 2003
  • #9
latroca1 said:
I have found an easier way myself i replaced my girlfriends and what a nightmare and the heat still sucks.
So on mine i just used the a/c condensor and can't even keep the heat on low got to love it!!!!

HEEE HEEEE Merry christmas!!!!!!
Click to expand...


So now do you turn on the A/C for heat? Is that all there is to it? I'm kind of in the same situation as you. I did my core, but it still isn't all that warm until the car has been going for 20 or 30 mins. (Yes, the engine is up to temp.) Nex time the heater core goes south, I will probably move the hoses over to the A/C and be done with it.
 
P

Pro-Hawk

New Member
Dec 4, 2003
971
0
0
West Texas
Jan 4, 2004
#10
  • Jan 4, 2004
  • #10
frmoss said:
Well, I've replaced two and, yes, they do suck to do. If your car is equipped with A/C, you're screwed. The only method is through the removal of your dash. Non A/C cars are much, much easier.

As for instructions, I used the step-by-step instructions from a MM&FF article. It told me everything I needed to know, to include the trick of using a GM battery terminal wrench on that darned little screw on the top rear of the heater box.
Click to expand...

He's not joking, my car has A/C and guess what went out?


I didn't have a catch can for the R12 and so it really sucked when it came to time to find some more R12. Out here in West Texas you can go without A/C, but it sure makes life more fun with it. It still came out cheaper than Fords qoute of 750.00 to do it
 

kiddiccarus

The first widely accepted Tranny
20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 24, 2003
1,789
1,051
143
30 Mins from a Ragged GT
Jan 8, 2004
#11
  • Jan 8, 2004
  • #11
Wat are you trying to do Kill me in this. My heater core just died and I have the choice of 250 for the shop to do it or 6+ hours in a 93 with Air in KY at 10 degrees? Oh I am screwed on this one and Hanyes manual is jacked up on this also. I need a good set of instructions on this then guys where can I locate some?
 

kiddiccarus

The first widely accepted Tranny
20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 24, 2003
1,789
1,051
143
30 Mins from a Ragged GT
Jan 8, 2004
#12
  • Jan 8, 2004
  • #12
nevermind Here is the link to the replacement page for 79 - 93
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/5652/index.html
 

Bearded Forever

Type O Danzigative the Dark
Founding Member
Sep 4, 2000
4,927
3
98
Vinland
Nov 19, 2004
#13
  • Nov 19, 2004
  • #13
I'm about to do mine in a few weeks.
 

MustangLXT

New Member
Nov 1, 2004
81
0
0
Florida
Nov 19, 2004
#14
  • Nov 19, 2004
  • #14
I just bypassed mine. I'm in Florida so I have no need for a heater. My only problem was that after I was done connecting the two hoses that I didn't make sure they were a safe distance away from the engine. It ended up resting on my exhaust manifold and burning through. Coolant was spraying everywhere. It sucked.
 
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