I hate plastic parts, and tiny screw, and screwing with the major safety components on an otherwise functional vehicle. So my current task is really beating me up.

I need some moral support, any other folks out there that hate replacing the heater core? Wha tdo you wish you knew before you started.

 

Nobody "likes" doing them. Each one that I do, I swear it will be the last one. My suggestion is find a buddy to help you. Take your time, take lots of pictures, mark the connectors with masking tape and label them. Keep track of the screws, stick 'em in an old butter tub, or a jar etc and mark where they go. The instrument panel does not need to be totally removed from the vehicle, but it gives you way more room and makes life easier if you do. The steering column just needs to be lowered down and rested on the seat, no need to remove it. While it's all apart, check all of the vacuum actuators, blend doors, and vacuum lines. If you've never done a heater core on one of these, plan on 8+ hours.

 

Thanks Captain Hook, I appreciate your support.

 

I know your frustration, and I feel your pain, been there countless times.

 

Well, I have the old core out! Taking a break then getting back after it, thanks for the encouragement.

 

You're half way there. Now comes the challenging part.... making all the plugs and screws go back where they belong How was that bolt on the bottom of the heater case Might need an assistant to get the case bolted to the firewall.

 

I took some pretty good pictures of the plugs and organized the screws on a scrap of cardboard. Luckily the heater box got back on fine once I noticed the heater vents that wanted to tuck into the floor...

My wife got home mid-replacement so I might be done for the night, but the heater box is bolted back up so now I just need to get the dash back in position without pinching anything.

 

I feel your pain. Just went thru that myself. Those floor vents really fooled me for a long time. I couldn't figure it out at first. Then my wife noticed them from the other side. Things should go pretty well from there on. Just take your time and double check everything as you go. that knee panel under the steering wheel took me about 5 times before I got it done. Then a few days later, had to remove it to R&R the brake switch. It was easy then. I had all the experience!

 

Well I got it all put together. It took me a while and not a little spilled coolant to get the system burped, but she's driving with heat, all gauges, 4x4, all working. Feels good to have it done, doesn't seem as hard once you've seen it all come apart. Thanks for the encouragement guys. I am going to post a thread with all of the links I found helpful for the job.

 

Last time I replaced the heater core I removed the nuts holding the dash with my left arm and doing everything else with my right arm. Needless to say it was heavy, now my whole dash is being held on by 2 or 3 screws. Hardest part was trying to put the heater core and cover with one hand😁