There were a number of posts and website reviews on upgrading the heater fan blower motor for the older vintage cj-5 Jeeps. My Jeep is a 1980 CJ-5.
I have read all the posts that I can find on this, and I would like to summarize some questions that still remain for me as I prepare to assist my mechanic for getting ready to do this for me.
- Motor model. I note that the web article on Off-Road.com says to ask for a motor for a 1973 Chevy Blazer / 350, with a/c. Other notes say to ask for the "normal" fan motor, not the "premimum" one. It is said that the shaft on the "premium" motor is too long. I wonder how you can be confident that you have the right motor if they only list one (not a "normal" and a "premium" one) ?? Also, I see that Mike Romain indicates that the "right" motor to ask for is for a 1972 Chevy Blazer (not a 1973 as indicated on the website article. ). I wonder if anyone bought a "correct" size motor from NAPA, and could just give me the NAPA part number ?
Any other comments on making sure I get the right size motor for my 1980 CJ-5 Jeep?
- Gasket? Will I need to fashion some kind of gasket when the new motor is put on ? One poster said he had a terrible time getting a new gasket made. Can I buy a gasket of some sort, or will the old gasket work if care is taken ?? Any comments?
- Heater core. I plan to have this job done from the firewall side, and not take the dash out. Can the heater core be easily removed from the firewall side ? Will it be obvious to my mechanic if the heater core needs replacement, or boiling out ? If this is such a hard job, wouldn't it just be quicker/easier to buy a new heater core ? What is the ballpark cost of the heater core? Remember, this is a 1980 Jeep, but the core is not now leaking, but I don't know how good the flow is.
- On my 1980 CJ-5, would it be easier in the long run to remove the battery tray ? I have the standard battery and tray.
- Proper saw for enlarging hole. Which is best, a jigsaw, scroll saw, or a reciprocal saw with a thin blade ?? I know that a hole-saw will cut a cleaner, more precise hole, but isn't it true that this can only be done from the dash side ? (if so, I don't really visualize why???)
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Again, I am not a mechanic, but I work closely with my mechanic and he doesn't mind if I help him plan, and get the right tools and parts in advance.
I know this is an old subject, but I really do want to do this upgrade, as I have always felt that this Jeep was very weak in the heater fan output. Doubling the output would help a LOT in the dead of winter.
Thanks for helping me on these questions !!!!
--james--