Replacing the heater core ??
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 64
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From: The Armpit of Wisconsin
Replacing the heater core ??
How difficult and time consuming is replacing the heater core in a 1978 f-150 without air? I know the dash has to come out. I've done them in 4I Fox mustangs with air and it's like a 5-6 hour process, even more in an Aero. The easiest one has got to be a 4I fox w/o air, about 10 min.
It's getting cold driving the Dent in 10-15 degree weather with the heater bypassed!
It's getting cold driving the Dent in 10-15 degree weather with the heater bypassed!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 533
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From: Lindenwold, NJ
Without a/c is easy. There are 3 bolts that hold the box in through the firewall and the vent should come off the box to make it easier. An hour or 2 at most if you take your time and clean it out. Dash does not need to be removed.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 43
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you don't have to pull any dash apart! Just as posted above, 3 nuts on the firewall, I remove the 6 or so little phillips screws and take the vent door off first (makes it easier) A word of caution when putting it all back together, 1) don't forget to hook up the control cables
2) use caution pushing the heater core tubes through the firewall being careful not to bend them.
I actualy took the glovebox (cardboard) out to make my life easier.
2) use caution pushing the heater core tubes through the firewall being careful not to bend them.
I actualy took the glovebox (cardboard) out to make my life easier.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 249
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From: Mad City
On a closely related topic, my core works great making me warm, but is intermittently very noisy doing it. I heard that if you whack it with a hammer, it fixes it.
Anyone ever performed this procedure? I'm guessing you go at it from the engine compartment with a nice soft mallet...
Anyone ever performed this procedure? I'm guessing you go at it from the engine compartment with a nice soft mallet...
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 547
Likes: 11
On a closely related topic, my core works great making me warm, but is intermittently very noisy doing it. I heard that if you whack it with a hammer, it fixes it.
Anyone ever performed this procedure? I'm guessing you go at it from the engine compartment with a nice soft mallet...
Anyone ever performed this procedure? I'm guessing you go at it from the engine compartment with a nice soft mallet...
Heater cores don't make noise.
Dennis
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
If you've never done it before I'd allot 4 hrs if everything goes fine. I found that it was nearly impossible to get the heater assembly back into place without undoing the bolt that hold the metal trim of the dash in place (high up on the passenger kick panel) that let it move 1 inch forward. The dash does not need to be removed though. Things to consider:
1) The seals and foam on the heater core cover plate maybe shot- use camper top to make new ones
2) Are your Bowden cables that actuate the controls in good shape? Otherwise buy new ones
3) Remove the glove box, makes thing much easier. Better access to the clip that connects the defrost duct, and the vent cover bolt in the passenger footwell.
Hope this helps. I had never replaced a core before and found it straightforward if you go slow. I also step 2 days repainting the interior plastic panels because I am **** retentive.
1) The seals and foam on the heater core cover plate maybe shot- use camper top to make new ones
2) Are your Bowden cables that actuate the controls in good shape? Otherwise buy new ones
3) Remove the glove box, makes thing much easier. Better access to the clip that connects the defrost duct, and the vent cover bolt in the passenger footwell.
Hope this helps. I had never replaced a core before and found it straightforward if you go slow. I also step 2 days repainting the interior plastic panels because I am **** retentive.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 249
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From: Mad City
sorry, meant the fan. kinda new to all this.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 64
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From: The Armpit of Wisconsin
If you've never done it before I'd allot 4 hrs if everything goes fine. I found that it was nearly impossible to get the heater assembly back into place without undoing the bolt that hold the metal trim of the dash in place (high up on the passenger kick panel) that let it move 1 inch forward. The dash does not need to be removed though. Things to consider:
1) The seals and foam on the heater core cover plate maybe shot- use camper top to make new ones
2) Are your Bowden cables that actuate the controls in good shape? Otherwise buy new ones
3) Remove the glove box, makes thing much easier. Better access to the clip that connects the defrost duct, and the vent cover bolt in the passenger footwell.
Hope this helps. I had never replaced a core before and found it straightforward if you go slow. I also step 2 days repainting the interior plastic panels because I am **** retentive.
1) The seals and foam on the heater core cover plate maybe shot- use camper top to make new ones
2) Are your Bowden cables that actuate the controls in good shape? Otherwise buy new ones
3) Remove the glove box, makes thing much easier. Better access to the clip that connects the defrost duct, and the vent cover bolt in the passenger footwell.
Hope this helps. I had never replaced a core before and found it straightforward if you go slow. I also step 2 days repainting the interior plastic panels because I am **** retentive.
Where can I get those cables? Do the McParts stores carry them?
I am not repainting any interior parts at this time, I just need heat!
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 533
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From: Lindenwold, NJ
If the fan makes noise either something is stuck in the fan or if it squeals the motor is bad. They are cheap to replace.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
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My fan made all kinds of noise, when I took everything apart when replacing the heater core I found that the fan (and everything else) was all gummed up with pine needles and the like. Cleaned it all up, put it all back together and now you can barely hear the fan! I am so glad I didn't just buy a new one!
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 43
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I replaced the heater core on my 78 F100 w/o ac 302 eng and found it to be a really easy process, it was the first one I have ever done. The repair manual doesn't mention removing the glove box but do it for sanity sake, it will allow easier access to the vent retaining screws and your defrost cable. You may have to adjust the temp and heat/defrost cables after you reinstall everything.
