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Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
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Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Sat May 05, 2012 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
So I have searched and found a few threads both here and other sites about heater core replacement. It seems there is not a definitive method of doing this.

Does one really have to remove the whole freakin' dash to get this done?

Does anyone have photos of how to do this job?

A copy of the FSM showing how this is done?
Author:  crzydmnd72 [ Sat May 05, 2012 5:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
We did not remove the dash on my son's 95. It was very tight, but do-able. You will need some hose clamp pliers to get the hoses off, sold at Sears, however I got mine at Autozone. ECM removal seems almost mandatory also, but once you remove 2 screws, unplug the airmix actuator and rod, its free to slide off. Carpet will give you a battle. But the core is easily removed once that cover is out of the way.

My hands were not personally involved in the repair, but I watched closely as my son did the job and got up to speed on how much profanity he knew :roll: lol. He was sure glad to put the tools up that evening, but its less pain than removing the dash
Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Sat May 05, 2012 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
I had the hose clamp pliers in the tool box already. Getting the hoses off was easy with the right tools. But I can't even see where to get that box cover out with out removing the dash right now.

Anyone has pics of doing this job?
Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Sat May 05, 2012 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
Digging under here more, it seems given I have the electronic control HVAC (EEC I think you guys call it) that this is complicating things under there. A lot.
Author:  Pontiac1 [ Sun May 06, 2012 2:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
It is not a fun job at all.The cover for the heater core will come out but must be done with the carpet and pad pulled back out of the way.It also helps a lot to remove the passenger seat for more room(not necessary,but makes it easier to work on your back).I do not have any pics,sorry.I know when I did mine it was a battle to figure out the right position for the cover to come out,and go back in,so remember how it came out,wish I would have :banghead: .
I have one with ECC and one without and have done both heater cores, neither was easy or quickly done.
It is a great time to flush your system of all the old coolant,since you will be removing most of it anyway.
I used this link for some info,maybe you can see some things here that will help.good wrenching.
http://trialsnuts.com/ecc.pdf
Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Sun May 06, 2012 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
Holy Hell! That is about the best I have seen so far! It still looks like a PITA job that I might end up paying someone to do. Can't believe I'm saying that...
Author:  crzydmnd72 [ Sun May 06, 2012 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
It is. If the one in the 99 ever goes out I will likely sub it out to a shop also lol. I did one in my old 1990, it wasnt nearly as bad.
Author:  1oldman [ Sun May 06, 2012 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
After watching my son replace the heater core twice, I think that not having to remove the dash may have a good deal to do with how big you and your hands are and how flexible you are. It is no piece of cake, that's for sure. I have gotten to know the dash well enough to not need help with it until it is time to lift it out of the car - lol. - BC
Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Sun May 06, 2012 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
Well, I am still waiting for another part to come in before I dig further on this.

But right now I have unofficially thrown the "F@#$ It" flag.

I'm too old and fat to be lying on my back contorting myself to get this done. I'm going to end up paying someone to do this job I think.
Author:  Madcarpenter [ Sun May 06, 2012 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
NotDadsW41 wrote:
. I'm going to end up paying someone to do this job I think.


Not the worst thing you can do. The mechanic needs to pay his mortgage too... Sometimes the operation requires a specialist.
Author:  NotDadsW41 [ Mon May 07, 2012 8:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
Yeah I know Madcarpenter. I prefer to do my own work though if possible. This won't be the first or last time this has happened. I know that.
Author:  1oldman [ Sat May 12, 2012 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heater core replacement - Remove the dash? Really?
NotDadsW41 wrote:
Yeah I know Madcarpenter. I prefer to do my own work though if possible. This won't be the first or last time this has happened. I know that.


Mine was "eating" heater cores until I put a ground strap on it. You may want to do that as a precaution. - BC
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