1981 Ford E 150 Heater Core replace

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Jan 24, 2013 | 08:25 AM

turbogus

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 996

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From: Albany, Good Ol' USA

1981 Ford E 150 Heater Core replace

Hi gang form Oregon~the shower me state. Well, just as my Jeep is going into the shop "Easy Bake"

decided to start leaking at the heater core from the smell of it. I've done a heater core on this van about 12 years ago but the manuals I have fail to detail removal installation. As I recall it was a bugger to get the plenum out of the cab and there were other difficulties that by now I have forgotten. Does anyone have a procedure, know the tricks and traps, or know of an accurate resource?

Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid.

Jan 24, 2013 | 10:39 AM

95e150CW

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Outside of Memphis, TN

I'm fairly certain that step one at most assembly lines for cars is: Hang heater core on hook, and build the rest of the car around it.

Jan 26, 2013 | 09:06 AM

turbogus

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 996

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From: Albany, Good Ol' USA

WOW! The heater plenum came out like a snap! This has got to be the easiest heater core replacement of any car/truck/van I've ever done (the toughest? my '78 Jeep Renegade)

The TRAP~Locating a CORRECT Brass/Copper heater core. Tried the local NAPA, and while they didn't have the next town's NAPA did. While on the phone I asked Jim (NAPA) to verify that it was brass/copper and they affirmed. After work went to Albany and...... Made in China aluminum that was smaller and the hose extrusions were not correct.
Had a similar issue with a water neck for my AMC 360 (Jeep), THREE tries at NAPA yeilded three made in China water necks EACH differing in the angle on the radiator hose extrusion, none of which was correct! Ultimately had to got to the boneyard and pull one from a 401.

Does anyone have a resourse for this BRASS/COPPER heater core for;
1981 Ford E-150 w/4.9L (300ci) no AC?

Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for yours responses!

Jan 27, 2013 | 03:12 PM

turbogus

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 996

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From: Albany, Good Ol' USA

Well, it turned out that Angie at O'Reileys ordered the two available brass/copper cores available, they had to order in but it was same day shipping (likely from Salem or Eugene) the first being three inches longer (HD heater) and would've fit but I would've had to modify the bracket 1/2 inch with plumber's tape that I did have at home (got some at the depot). Ultimately had to relocate a hole in the plenum for a tighter fit, previous owner used windshield rope (remember that stuff?) to hold fast the heater core in it's loose end bracket. O'Reiley's had no problem with the exchange as I only test fit the larger core and it didn't get crummy. SO far so good though. One thing about this Ford heater plenum removal and heater core replacement, it was a damsight easier that the three day project on "Black Betty" my '78 Jeep Renegade.

Jan 28, 2013 | 08:34 PM

joshofalltrades

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Joined: Feb 2011

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i've had some easy jobs and some hard ones. these old vans are as simple as can be - remove right battery, remove a handful of nuts from inside, slide heater box out of vehicle.

Feb 1, 2013 | 12:29 PM

amron

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Joined: Nov 2012

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I did the heater core on my 79 E-150 and pulling it out was real easy. Just a few bolts and screws.

Feb 2, 2013 | 07:26 AM

locknkey

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Right Next to U

turbogus ...that Van looks like my 81 only it's Red and is a E250 with 16.5" wheels...and no windows, seems it makes you have to stop at every stop sign and there is always a blind spot lurking in the shadows...