heater core
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
heater core
Well, it finally got cool enough to turn the heater on and it doesn't work. Oh well, I like it cold anyway.
The only time I've ever known of a heater core going out was when it leaked coolant. Mine isn't so I'm wondering if it may be electrical. Is there a way to test the heater core besides getting a new one?
I think I'll be able to change it out pretty easy, although it says drain the coolant, but the hoses go up to the firewall, so I don't know how that matters.
Brian
1988 Eddie Bauer 351
The only time I've ever known of a heater core going out was when it leaked coolant. Mine isn't so I'm wondering if it may be electrical. Is there a way to test the heater core besides getting a new one?
I think I'll be able to change it out pretty easy, although it says drain the coolant, but the hoses go up to the firewall, so I don't know how that matters.
Brian
1988 Eddie Bauer 351
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
heater core
I have never done this to my Bronco but you will most likely have to remove the heater core through the interior side of the firewall. the recommendation to drain the coolant is to keep it out of the inside of your truck. Before you go replacing it though, check to see that both hoses going to the heater core are getting hot under normal operation. If they aren't, check coolant level. If its just one, the core may have at least partial blockage.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
heater core
I was wondering about that as well. The hoses aren't leaking, and the coolant level is fine, but I'll check the temp of each hose after driving home. I'm hoping if there is a blockage its in the core and not somewhere else.
It doesn't seem to do anything when i move the temp switch from cold to hot. Shouldn't there be some kind of resistance? I'll look inside the dash to see if the switch is even doing anything as well.
Oh, and my glovebox hasn't opened in 3 months, so that will be fun trying to get it open so i can get to the core!
Brian
88 351
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
heater core
Ok, so one hose is warm after use, and one is not. What exactly does this mean? Is there a block in the heater core and it just needs to be replaced or is this a problem elsewhere?
Brian
Brian
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
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From: Nevada
heater core
I have an '82 and have changed mine a couple of times, easy job. Pull the glove box and it's all right there. But I replaced mine because they were leaking. The heater still worked.
Yours sounds like it should be a different problem. I can't remember exactly what the procedure is, but when you move the dash heater control lever it actuates a vacuum controlled flap that opens the heater vents. I just moved and my shop manuals are packed away, but go to the Heating, Ventilation and A/C forum. Somebody there should be able to run you through a check on heater controls. If it's not leaking, I wouldn't replace it until you've eliminated other possible problems.
Yours sounds like it should be a different problem. I can't remember exactly what the procedure is, but when you move the dash heater control lever it actuates a vacuum controlled flap that opens the heater vents. I just moved and my shop manuals are packed away, but go to the Heating, Ventilation and A/C forum. Somebody there should be able to run you through a check on heater controls. If it's not leaking, I wouldn't replace it until you've eliminated other possible problems.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
heater core
The cable was off, but i put it back on. It opens up and air comes from somewhere else now, but the heater is still not working. The hose coming back from the heater is cold while the other one is hot, so I think the heater core has a blockage and I'll probably replace it.
Anyone know how much coolant to drain?
Brian
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Louisville TN (Near Knoxv
heater core
when I did my 86 I didnt drain it at all. just be carefull the hoses clamp on the outside of th fire wall. When i took them off a little leaked out I had a flat bucket under the truck that cout that. the little that was in the core most of it that is leaked out into bucket while i was getin it out. on the hoses just prop them up high and they wont leak any. I lade some plastic in the floor boad and took out the core when you take it out just lean it back to keep it from leaking I only got maybe a 1/4 gllass of it on the plastic.
it was a lot easier than the book or my friend told me it would be.
hope this helps you out.
it was a lot easier than the book or my friend told me it would be.
hope this helps you out.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
heater core
just clamp the hoses to the core shut and the only fluid you will get out is whats in the core itself.
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