Heater Core Replacement

The lack of heat, steam or moisture on the inside of the windshield and water and or coolant on the passenger floor are all signs of a bad heater core.  Here's how to replace it.

1) Allow cooling system to cool if applicable.

2) Remove radiator cap to relieve pressure from the cooling system and then replace and tighten cap.

3) Loosen the clamps on the two side by side heater hoses going in to the passenger side of the firewall.

4) Twist the hoses and remove them from the heater core.

5) Make sure the hoses are above the radiator level to prevent coolant from draining out.  Some coolant loss should be expected.  You may choose to plug the hoses.

6) Inside the cab, remove the screws securing the heater core access cover (if applicable).  You may want to lay something down to protect the carpet from coolant spilling from the heater core.....When the core is bad...you may already have this problem.

7) Pull the heater core rearward and then down to remove.

8) Installation is the reverse of these procedures.

9) Refill the cooling system, start the truck and check for leaks.