Heater Core DIY?

[xtlicious]

Not to jump to conclusions regarding my no heat situation and my '02 GT but in case of a heater core replacement I'm looking for a heater core DIY *or* I'll likely end up being the first to document.

Right now it appears that I have a blockage since I have one hot and one cold hose coming/going from the core. I also have coolant smell when not moving and the blower on (and off, after stopping the car). It's not pooling under the car or losing much coolant overall, overheating, etc. I can't find a evaporator housing drain else I'd check for blockage there, too, but I don't hear any sloshing... suggesting the leak is not bad if there is a leak.

Anyway... anyone have a heater core DIY? Specifically, I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't had to remove the dash!

[Doohickie]

I don't want to scare you, but this is what you need to do if you have a Ford Escort:

http://www.thehoffmanns.com/i/escort.jpg

[CRAZIECRACKER]

dam. definetly in for some work! any vacation time avialable? lol

[krodammi]

OMG!!! note to self...don't break the heater core :eek:

[Pete03GLS]

Take it to a shop. (lol)

[xdforme22]

Yup^ I think someone just did this on a sunfire as well. Looked about the same.

[xtlicious]

Okay, okay. Calm down everybody. Yes, it's a big job. I've done these before. Most of the time you have to remove the dash, after all the evaporator and heater core are 99% of the time physically in the passenger compartment. I'm wondering if anyone has done this on the XD before without removing the dash.

This is one of those repairs in which you replace all of the other stuff in there while the dash is out. It can be fun!

[CRAZIECRACKER]

Take it to a shop. (lol)

hahahaaha, of course youd come out with that!

[xdforme22]

Have you checked HMA service for the general diagrams and steps? I don't think anyone here has had to do the heater core yet.

[HYTECH]

you will need to remove the entire dash and then remove the evap case and take it apart to replace the heater core. there will be nothing left on the firewall when you get it apart.

[LAMRONH]

Given good routine maintenance, what sort of life can we expect out of a core?

I remember doing this...ONCE. On a '67 Pontiac, it was buried down in Hell's Kitchen somewhere, but got at it from the engine compartment.

Never again.

[DJ Hellfire]

Here's one I did on a C230 Benz! Sucks!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/djhellfire/Benz1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/djhellfire/Benz2.jpg

[xtlicious]

Given good routine maintenance, what sort of life can we expect out of a core?

I have 122k miles. Likely with regular yearly flushes, correct coolant, no stop leak silliness, and no head gasket failures you'll get more than 122k miles.

you will need to remove the entire dash and then remove the evap case and take it apart to replace the heater core. there will be nothing left on the firewall when you get it apart.

Any special steps to getting the case apart? Normally there are clips, tabs, and/or screws. Sometimes it's also sealed and stays together until you force it apart (after removing the screws).