Lost the heater core

[BigIke]

Can y'all tell me what I'm in for, is this a day job, or a real pita?

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[secondchance]

Took me about 10 hours.

[Z51JEFF]

Not looking forward to it but when the time comes I’ll replace the windshield at the same time.

[dredgeguy]

It took all day with our Wazoo group. Just remember to bag and tag every screw, nut and bolt. I ended up with about 50 baggies with paper inside reminding me where they went. You have to take your time and be organized. It is a royal PIA.

[Dynomite]

I went in from the bottom to remove the Heater Core without pulling the dash but then again I do everything a bit different :D

Replacing the Heater Core and Heater Hose Connection (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-7.html#post1585219751)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/400x400-1/80-47b397fa_9989_44a0_8840_7900a65f8c13_1__f1639e11cc 7e80ad37dd77c133d9490260add840.jpg

[billschroeder5842]

Posts like this scare the Sh*t out of me.

I've had a core go out on my C3 and on my 89. I did the C3 myself and did lots of the work on the 89 before having a quality shop "finish." Worst days of my Corvette experiences.

Other than fresh fluid, is there any PM to do or is it just a matter of time...?

[jrd1990zr1]

Terrible job. Almost as bad as trying to remove the heater blend door actuator from the heater core box. I've got a new core if you are looking for one.

Good luck. :cheers:

[Flyman 27]

I am about 6 hours into that job right now. It is a killer on the old back. Mine is a little extra complicated due to a lot of aftermarket product installations. Stereo & amp, remote fuz buster, etc.
The stereo installer did horrible work. Maybe 1/2 the attaching points of the trim panels and dash are broken off, some of the components were basically yanked out. I couldn't figure out why some of the A/C outlets didn't work, the installer just left out the duct parts! Too much work to reinstall them I guess. I have not yet added up the amount of damage they did. This damage was done before I purchased the car.
The extra wiring is a problem because there is no way (so far as I have found) to unplug the wiring to get it out of the way.
If you are young & in good shape, then this is a good DIY job to save money on. But if you have back issues or other problems, then hire a COMPETENT installer. Don't go with the lowest price installer, go with competency.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I know I have to address mine too. I thought about just bypassing it, but I read somewhere that the heating system affects something else other than just providing heat. Anyone can confirm that? I don’t know I have the patience to tear apart like this. I think I could live without my heater if so. Thanks.


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[Dynomite]

I know I have to address mine too. I thought about just bypassing it, but I read somewhere that the heating system affects something else other than just providing heat. Anyone can confirm that? I don’t know I have the patience to tear apart like this. I think I could live without my heater if so. Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

Is your Heater Core leaking? Other than an additional engine cooling source I have no clue as someone else can comment on that aspect of the Heater System effecting something else. I would definitely repair the Heater Core.....remove the passenger seat if you want (I did not).

I would do it the way I did.......from the bottom and when replacing Heater Core Modify the heater Core Box Rivets using Nylon Push Pins :p

I then slip the Heater Core Outer Housing up into place and install two Nylon Push Rivets replacing the two removed rivets connecting the Dual Top Conduit to the Heater Core Housing. The two Nylon Push Rivets are shown before final installation. The installation of the Nylon Push Rivets is very easy as there is room to place and push the Rivets after installation of the Heater Core Housing.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/600x500-1/80-heat_core_drill_1_603838477d9d98379df3f4e8e7ea995a 403db10c.jpg

Replacing the Heater Core and Heater Hose Connection (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-7.html#post1585219751)

[billschroeder5842]

For those who have unfortunately been bitten....

It is necessary adn worth the effort to pull the dash? There is certanly extra effort but did it make the install THAT much easier?

I worry about extra creaks, pops and groans from the dash. I hate the noise.

[Dynomite]

It is necessary and worth the effort to pull the dash? There is certanly extra effort but did it make the install THAT much easier?


See Post #5 and Post #10

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Is your Heater Core leaking? Other than an additional engine cooling source I have no clue as someone else can comment on that aspect of the Heater System effecting something else. I would definitely repair the Heater Core.....remove the passenger seat if you want (I did not).

I would do it the way I did.......from the bottom and when replacing Heater Core Modify the heater Core Box Rivets using Nylon Push Pins :p

I then slip the Heater Core Outer Housing up into place and install two Nylon Push Rivets replacing the two removed rivets connecting the Dual Top Conduit to the Heater Core Housing. The two Nylon Push Rivets are shown before final installation. The installation of the Nylon Push Rivets is very easy as there is room to place and push the Rivets after installation of the Heater Core Housing.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/600x500-1/80-heat_core_drill_1_603838477d9d98379df3f4e8e7ea995a 403db10c.jpg

Replacing the Heater Core and Heater Hose Connection (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-7.html#post1585219751)


Cliff,
I believe it is leaking, but have not pulled the carpet back to confirm. Every time I drive it you can smell coolant in the cabin, but it is a very slow leak if so checking the level. I'm being lazy in thought to think of just bypassing, but will probably end of doing the job because I feel like that is half-assing the issue regardless if I feel I really need the heater or not. I think it was Hib that mentioned when I brought it up some time back. Thanks for your tips and tricks as always and it is encouraging. Damn if my while you're in there list is not growing longer and longer now that I finally have a garage and brought the car home. Thanks again!!! :cheers:

[billschroeder5842]

See Post #5 and Post #10

Thanks, but it leaves me conflicted... I'd guess i'd leave the dash on and give it a shot. Fortunately, mine is not leaking. I 'm just scheming against the inevitable.

BTW... back in the day I did a heater core on a 69 Dodge Charger with air (a rarity) and it took 3.5 hours. I miss all the extra room!

[Dynomite]

Thanks, but it leaves me conflicted... I'd guess i'd leave the dash on and give it a shot. Fortunately, mine is not leaking. I 'm just scheming against the inevitable.

BTW... back in the day I did a heater core on a 69 Dodge Charger with air (a rarity) and it took 3.5 hours. I miss all the extra room!

It is NOT inevitable :p

This is one Maintenance Item you leave until it happens.
It will start out slow like Craig suggests so you have plenty time after the first little smell of coolant.
Again.....it is NOT inevitable :D

[WARP TEN]

I was at Marc Haibeck's shop a while back and son Bob had the dash apart on a Z to replace a heater core. He described it and "not a big deal--takes a few hours". But he does this quite regularly. He or Marc might be a good source of tips when attacking this, or if your car needs a few other things done you might consider sending or bringing it to him. --Bob