Photos from heater core extraction - '87 GL 3-door

[kayakertom]

The instructions from Moosen was very helpful...

This was to clean out a rodent nest...    Not much fun getting to the heater box!  Found out that my replacement core does not match what I need; the old one was not leaking but I wouldn't want to go through this ordeal again. 

Trunk and back seat filled with all the parts removed to get to the box. I'll bet when things go back together that I'll have extra parts.

 

[moosens]

Good luck. If you can’t find parts catalogs online let me know. They have the exploded views that help in times like this. 
 

Service manual might help some too. 
 

Been ages since I’ve messed with those 85-89s 

[el_freddo]

Love the three door coupe!! We didn’t get them in Oz. Special import only and they weren’t known or weren’t popular. I’d have one! 

I’ve done this dash removal several times. Not too bad once you know what you’re doing. 

Best of luck sourcing a new heater core, mind you, your unit looks like it’s an all copper unit without the plastic end tanks that can let go in a big way! You could have this checked over by a radiator specialist to get the ok. 

Regards

Bennie

[kayakertom]

 

Update on the heater core project (I was traveling and working on other things but now getting back to the project): Dropped the old heater core off to the Beaverton Macs shop for inspection / pressure testing:  https://macsradiator.com/  just talked to the technician and it holds pressure but some fins are a little loose. Guess what it would cost to recore?     

$495!

Plan now is to reinstall the old unit but also to put the aluminum one in place of the AC evaporator (cut off some of the pipes and add hose extensions out the firewall) and then if the old heated core leaks to move the heater hoses to the new unit. Has anyone done this?

Photo of the AC Evaporator in half the box.

[kayakertom]

Have paused the repair and am still looking for either a lower cost recore or finding a ready made unit that could be substituted.

Hart Radiator in Kelso, WA says ~ $350 for a recore.

Have asked auto parts stores if they can search by core dimensions = 7" x 9" x 1.25" but that doesn't seem to be possible. Will see if an AI search will help.

 

[el_freddo]

A decade ago I got an all brass/copper unit for $AU220. I dare say price skyrocketed due to lack of units being moved and possibly special order only with long lead times. 

Get a new all metal unit and forget about it. The wallet pain sticks around for a while but you’ll get over it when you have long lasting reliable heat every time you need it.

Don’t shove a second hand unit in there, ask me how I know this is a crap move!! Twice 

Cheers 

Bennie

[kayakertom]

Here's what AI says, shows promise:

Finding a heater core with exact dimensions of 7" x 9" x 1.25" inches is challenging. However, the APDI 9010503 HVAC Heater Core is a close match, measuring approximately 7.75" x 9" x 1.25" inches.

Amazon

This heater core is constructed from aluminum and is compatible with various vehicle models.

If precise dimensions are critical for your application, consider reaching out to specialized manufacturers like The Brassworks, which offers custom fabrication and restoration services for heater cores.

The Brassworks

They can create a heater core tailored to your specific size requirements.

Before making a purchase, ensure compatibility with your vehicle or system by consulting with a professional mechanic or contacting the manufacturer directly.

[kayakertom]

AI is getting results closer to something that could be used:

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NRCNH9010200

Cut off a bit of the pipes, re-flare and add hose..

https://www.carparts.com/details/Nissan/Sentra/Replacement/2000-2006/REPN503001.html