tech: Heater core

Following up on the post a few down, I'm also having heat problems on my '95 Z28. It stopped out of the blue about 2 years ago (I don't drive it in the winter anymore, that's why I haven't done anything yet). I've tried the thermostat, complete system purge/flush, and letting the engine get real hot to see if any heat makes it in, all to no avail. I definitely hear a "thump" of sorts when I turn the temperature knob so I'm fairly certain it's not the damper. That leaves the heater core, which does not appear to be leaking, there's no anti-freeze smell, and though my windows sometimes DO get foggy, it doesn't appear to be from that.

My question is, if it is the heater core, how much of a pain in the ass is it to change these things out on 4th gen F-bodies? The core itself can be bought for well under $100 if you look online, but I've heard it's alot of time and agravation to do. Does anyone have some experience with these?

Thanks, Rob

Reply to
Bones
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That also leaves......the heater control valve... Cheap, easy, and most common.

Reply to
CBhvac

My heater core started to leak .. and then the car stopped producing heat. The core then stopped leaking. I had put some stop leak into the radiator. I bought a new core from Autozone, which if you go that route, make SURE that you put TWO extra crimps between the two spots that the manufacturer crimped the two tubes into the upper tank. The stock unit has 3 crimps and no movement. The core I got, the two tubes could wobble a lot .. and when assembled one LEAKED! So .. to replace it .. its pretty easy. Oh, BTW .. when I removed my heater core .. I could NOT blow through it. If you want to see if its clogged, then disconnect the hoses under the hood, and hook a hose to ONE end .. and see if you can blow through it, if NOT then its clogged and no hot water is circulating. Mine lasted 181,000 miles. I also replaced the one in my Impala at about 150,000. The Camaro was pretty easy, just remove the 3 screws on the bottom of the glove box .. and pinch the inside a bit to pull out of the dash. Then remove the two screws on the left of the HVAC box. They are pretty obvious. Remove the cover, might take a little negotiating. You will see the heater core. Now remove the two hoses under the dash in the engine compartment and then remove the screw between the nipples. Then pop off the spring steel deal that keeps the nipples separated, and the screw goes through. Now from inside the car, remove the one screw holding the metal tab. The Heater core will come out now. It helps if you pull the wiring down a bit to help it go by the bottom of the dash. As the shop manual says .. reverse is installation. Make sure that the rubber grommet in the dash doenst come out, it shouldnt as long as you take off the spring steel deal, before pulling the core nipples (or tubes) through.

Have fun!

Tom

Reply to
SBCA96

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