How to replace heater core...
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
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How to replace heater core...
Anyone out there know how to remove and replace the heater core on a 1970 F100? My heater only blows cold air when I turn it on. The truck is not equipped with factory a/c. Thanks for all responses...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I do, but I would like for you to make sure that you need to before you do.
1- Is there a good loop (5/8" hose) from the water pump to the heater core on the firewall and back to the intake?
2- Is there a valve in that loop that may be turned off?
3- Suggestion, Remove both the hoses from the heater core and with a garden hose flush the heater core in both directions. As long as there is a decent flow of water through the core and no leaks on the floor from the core, it shouldn't need replacing.
Should the core seem to be flowing good, the water pump may not be pushing hot water back there. These checks are pretty simple and much easier than pulling the core if you don't need to.
Let us know what you find, being warm is a good thing.
John
1- Is there a good loop (5/8" hose) from the water pump to the heater core on the firewall and back to the intake?
2- Is there a valve in that loop that may be turned off?
3- Suggestion, Remove both the hoses from the heater core and with a garden hose flush the heater core in both directions. As long as there is a decent flow of water through the core and no leaks on the floor from the core, it shouldn't need replacing.
Should the core seem to be flowing good, the water pump may not be pushing hot water back there. These checks are pretty simple and much easier than pulling the core if you don't need to.
Let us know what you find, being warm is a good thing.
John
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 432
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From: YORK S.C.
the valve on the heater hoses could be rusted in off position like mine was/had to replace it and all was well after that. though it did change the heater core not long after since it started leaking,it was one of the easiest i have ever done! took about an hour
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 110
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From: Calgary Alberta
Heater core is pretty easy on these trucks, Just drain the coolant, disconnect the hoses at the firewall and unbolt the heater assembly from the firewall. Watch that you dont tear off the heater control cables when it comes away from the firewall. But thats pretty hard to do. Really just tear into it. If you have any mechanical abilities at all it is not a hard task.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Hmm, it looks like there IS a valve on the hose. It is attatched to a cable... Uh oh, I am thinking that the cable is connected to the heat lever inside the truck. When I move the switch, it moves freely without resistance.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: YORK S.C.
then the valve is bad,mine was doing the same thing..i bought mine from www.dennis-carpenter.com for about $20..you can also check with lmc as they should have it
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: YORK S.C.
may also want to check the cable to make sure it is still connected the the heat lever inside,if it is then the valve is indeed bad
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Just from the way the lever feels, I don't think it is connected at all. Any idea how to get in there to check?
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From: YORK S.C.
you can either follow the cable from the valve to the control lever,or you can remove the radio and look in from that angle and gain access to it..it is pretty easy to replace the cable.i replaced all the cables in mine while i was doing the valve
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by Low70Ford
Just from the way the lever feels, I don't think it is connected at all. Any idea how to get in there to check?
John
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 731
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From: in the springs
to see the cables just pull put the radio or remove the glove box either way you should have lots of room to see putting your head on the mat for this one wont give yo a good perspective as the cable connection is on the top of the control. and as for the heater control valveany local parts store carries them pretty much the same valve for almost every older vehicle. and if you do wind up replacing the core you dont need to drain the coolant just when you unhook the heater hoses unhook the hose without the valve first and tie it up higher than the top of the radiator (remove radiator cap to release any pressure than replace cap prior to unhooking hoses) then remove the hose with the valve in it. and do the same thing will make a small mess but almost all of your coolant will stay where it belongs.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
From: Chester, Va.
I had to replace the valve and cable on mine. The easiest wasy for me was taking out the glove box and working from there. Pretty easy once I got everything out and apart. Took about an hour to do everything and check for leaks. No worries.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 110
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From: Calgary Alberta
Aww where is your inner contortionist. I would agree with pulling the glove box leave the radio alone I did mine and didnt pull anything but the heater. Hindsight agrees with pulling the glovebox.
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