87 Heater Core Replacement?

[LD57]

Howdy. I searched a bit but don't see anything on replacing a core. I *suspect* mine might be weeping a bit, not confirmed, but it looks at a glance like it'll take a sawzall to get in there, lol. Anyone? My other ride is an E30 beemer, and after reading horror stories, got in there and did it in under an hour. Hoping this is the same?

 

[LD57]

LOL!! Just saw this.

Neeeeeevermind!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Its stupid easy to replace the core on a 1st gen...i think it takes me about 30 min lol

 

[Jazzer]

^Can confirm- use new foam where the tubes go through the firewall and you’re golden.

-Jazzer

 

[sgtsandman]

Lucky! Most vehicles, you have to remove the entire dash to change the heater core.

 

[LD57]

Its stupid easy to replace the core on a 1st gen...i think it takes me about 30 min lol

OK, so the 3 screws out is easy, but that bottom right piece of the cover that goes into the firewall..... is it screwed in on the other side? It sure don't wanna come out of it's hole! I can't see didly under the cabin blower without pulling the air box.

 

[LD57]

^Can confirm- use new foam where the tubes go through the firewall and you’re golden.

-Jazzer

I got "dumb dumb" tape apparently.

 

[LD57]

AHA!! Hidden screw inside the cab I missed!

 

[Jazzer]

You’re about done!

If you have a flexible funnel you can mostly prefill the core before putting the hoses back on, it helps with getting the air out.

 

[LD57]

It was getting dark and I had to bail on the project. It'll get done over the weekend, and good idea about the pre-fill!

I have flush t's in the heater core lines for quick bypassing, as the blend door doesn't block it for beans, It's bypassed most of time since it's always hot here!

 

[LD57]

Yep, it was easy once I got to it! And just in time for a big cold front!