Pics for replacing heater core? (2 Viewers)

[Ducks]

Does anyone happen to have pictures or a general step by step approach to replacing the heater core?

I need to replace the heater core because it has a major leak in it. I currently have it disconnected so that I can drive my 60 around. I've read in a lot of threads that it is a major PITA to replace the core but haven't found any specifics on how to go about doing it. Thanks.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I'm pretty sure you have to disassemble the entire dash to get it out, but I've never been in there before.

 

[lehiguy]

I didn't take pics, but it was not as bad as it could have been, and I have AC. I took out the glove box, the stereo and the heater controls. I was able to get it out without removing the entire dash, I remember flexing the front of the dash outward to make room for the heater core to come out.

 

[Rigger]

Ducks, if you do an R&R on that heater core, please take some pics. I'd be interested to know the complexity of this job.

 

[djawahir]

I've done the heater core r&r, but I ripped apart my whole dash to dynamat the firewall.

It's time consuming. Let's just say it isn't for the faint of heart.

 

[Ducks]

I'm stuck trying to figure out how to get the defroster hose thing off so I can unbolt the top of the heater core. One stupid hose and I would be at it. Any suggestions?

 

[Ducks]

Here is the progression of pictures I took as I pulled the dash apart -

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Nice pictures. Are there cheap ways to upgrade this heating system? Since all the labor is being done to get to it, might as well increase the heating capacity somehow. Anyone thought about this?

 

[Ducks]

I'm stuck trying to figure out how to get the defroster hose thing off so I can unbolt the top of the heater core. One stupid hose and I would be at it. Any suggestions?

I had to remove the vertical bracket for the dash and give it some extra elbow grease.

But there are still more things in the way. Anywho. Things always take longer than they should. I hope I remember where all the screws go.

 

[Ducks]

Was doing more research on how to get it all out. Now I've jumped over to this thread - https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/80388-how-remove-heater-core-plastic-shroud.html

 

[Ducks]

I didn't take pics, but it was not as bad as it could have been, and I have AC. I took out the glove box, the stereo and the heater controls. I was able to get it out without removing the entire dash, I remember flexing the front of the dash outward to make room for the heater core to come out.

Wish I knew how you did this. How did you get it out without access to the top of the heater core? Or am I misunderstanding you?

 

[Ducks]

So I am disconnecting the AC. There is a procedure for it in the FSM. Just as an FYI in order to disconnect the suction flexible hose you need some large wrenches. I used an adjustable wrench for the larger one which is either 25 or 26 mm. The other one is 22mm.

 

[lehiguy]

You're on the right track. Get the AC hoses disconnected at the firewall, then you can pull the "box" with the evaporator core out from under your dash. Then you will be able to get the next "box" that contains the heater core. Make mental notes of how the cables are positioned as these will need to be disconnected if you haven't done that already. After that and some dash flexing, you're home free.

 

[Zack1978]

This thread is interesting because I read here on mud that someone changed the heater core without removing the freon in the lines. I wonder if that can be done?



Zack

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I was going to do this 2 years ago to replace the 1 tube that goes from the core through the firewall. (I have the last two tubes available anywhere!). I gave up when I got to this stage of dash dis-assembly. It was just too difficult.

Anyway, be careful with the tubes as they are not replaceable with new parts. There are also some small O-rings that seal the tubes to the core-make sure you have those. Good going for attempting this.

 

[Ducks]

This thread is interesting because I read here on mud that someone changed the heater core without removing the freon in the lines. I wonder if that can be done?



Zack

I think if you completely take out the entire dash you might be able to access the heater core without taking out the AC. I need to redo my AC anyways so I went this direction. I have the AC disconnected now. The fitting for the suction hose was a major PITA to get off.

 

[Ducks]

More pics.

without the AC box -

looking toward the heater box

heater box -

front of AC box -

side of AC -

back of AC -

 

[ElliottB]

PICS

Hijack.... where did you get that dash cover?

 

[Ducks]

Hijack.... where did you get that dash cover?

It had it when I bought it. I think you get them from SOR.

 

[VTCruiser]

I ended up disassembling the entire system and replacing the foam gaskets which were disintegrating, but yours may be in better shape. I have pics in my build thread (see sig) posts 170 and 171. There are direct links on in the first post of the thread.