Heater Core Replacement

[Krivman65]

Hi all,

 

Discovered on my way to work this morning that my heater isn't as hot as it should be. My assumption is a plugged heater core. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Is this a difficult job? It's and 85 hatch. I'm going to try and flush it first obviously, but I don't have a whole lot of hope for that, because in my experience flushing never fixes the problem. Anybody have an aftermarket brand that isn't junk?

 

Thanks!

 

Chad

[idosubaru]

I've only seen one blocked heater core and flushing it solved the issues - i'd give it a try now before it gets any colder! Pretty sure we were doing it in the winter!

 

Yes - it's a painfully annoying job because the entire dash has to come out - and youre' talking about 30+ year old fasteners, plastic, and vinyl.  

 

On tribeca's you can cut/use hose to remove/install without touching the dash.  it's a slick work around to turn a debacle into an easy job.  I'd definitely be looking to see if that's an option if I had this to deal with on my XT6.  I wouldnt' want to touch those old panels, parts, fasteners, and plastic if there's an easier option.

[moosens]

They also corrode and wizz all over the passenger side floor if in rust zones etc.

 

They are still out there occasionally. I might have one left. Depends on where you are and how you feel , but to me here in rustlandia i would replace it. West coast maybe not.

 

The dash thing is easier than most people think. Plenty of references here.