Replacing a heater core in 1987 ranger.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: CT USA
Replacing a heater core in 1987 ranger.
well compared to many vechiles the ranger is easy to do. First buy the new one. then you need to isolate the two heater hoses (i thikn they are about 1.5" diameter) going from the engine compartment into the cab. they are on the passanger side. You should close them off with visegrips or hose pliers. Make sure the truck is cool when you do this. Under the dashboard there is a panel that will unbolt allowing easy access to the heater core. it is usually eaisier to take the glove box out first to get more clearance. After you work the old heater core loose disconnect the hoses (note which one is on the left and which is on the right) from it and slide it out. it might make a mess aspecially if it is leaking already. Slide the new heater core in taking care not to bend anything and reattach the hoses. Clamp everything back up and try it out. I think thats pretty much it. Its not very difficult to do and shouldnt take too long. if you have never done it before it still shouldnt take more than an hour. Sorry if i am forgetting anything. It is also a good time to replace the heater hoses if they look bad. Hope this helps and Good Luck
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Like Matt said on an 87 Ranger it's a very simple 1 hour job. A mechanic would probably charge around 100 bucks labor plus 50 bucks for the new heater core.
On your 2002 you'd have to plan on spending 2 days to do it, if you've never done it before. A mechanic would probably charge around 7 or 8 hundred bucks for labor plus 50 bucks for the heater core. That's progress for you.
The heater core on my 87 started leaking 7 or 8 years ago & I bought a new one. One of these days i'll have to remember to install it. Since I don't really need a heater here in So.Cal. I never think about it.
On your 2002 you'd have to plan on spending 2 days to do it, if you've never done it before. A mechanic would probably charge around 7 or 8 hundred bucks for labor plus 50 bucks for the heater core. That's progress for you.
The heater core on my 87 started leaking 7 or 8 years ago & I bought a new one. One of these days i'll have to remember to install it. Since I don't really need a heater here in So.Cal. I never think about it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
