2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Going to do the dreaded heater core in the 98... Anybody know any shortcuts??

[C. Harlan]

I am tired of having no heat in Black Betty, so I have begun the process of removing the dash. . It is/was already cracked badly, so that's not an issue; I will just order a new replacement. . Does anybody know any tips or tricks to get to the heater core or get it out easier? I do not plan on evacuating the AC system, and would like to try to work around that if at all possible. . Thanks,



-Chris-

 

[budnate]

a heads up, do the mods to the heat blend doors while its apart.

 

[C. Harlan]

what kind of mods that that be?

 

[budnate]

do a search under "blend doors" for more indebt detail on the problem, the short is the hing pins strip out or shear off and jam , then no heat or air control, here is the part on ebay for the fix,



Dodge Ram Blend Door heater fix HeaterTreater:eBay Motors (item 270256112438 end time Jan-06-10 13:11:53 PST)

 

[Hammer]

Chris...
I know you do not want to do the evap core but please reconsider this one.

I am certain that you will regret not doing it while you had the dash all apart as once its all out,its right there and easy access to it. I have had mine done twice now in 200k and both times it failed I did the opposite and replaced the heater core. A little extra work now may save you alot of work later... ..... Andy

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Just to add to the fun - maybe think about replacing the A/C evaporator (or check it well) while you're in there. Otherwise you KNOW next summer you will see oil (A/C lube) puking out the drip port on the firewall. When I had to do mine the condensor (it sees ALL incoming air) was 1/3 full of muck and compost and had obviously corroded the core (why no intake filters on our trucks?). Think of it like brain surgery - the less times its done the better!!!! (To all who've actually endured that you have my genuine devout respect as a medical practitioner and my best wishes for an uneventful future!!)

 

[DieselDoghouse]

OK - I see I was upstaged!! Hammer hit enter WHILE I was pontificating (yeah I do dat). I think you see a trend - My vote's with his: 'just do it'!!

 

[Joe Mc]

Chris - why do you not have heat? Is the heater core bad and you by-passed it? Or is it that you are not getting enough heat? It's possible the core's air side is clogged with debris. Oh well, either way you have to take the heater box out to address. I'm with Hammer and DD since you are already there you may as well do both coils (evap and heater core) it's not that much to have the A/C evacuated and properly charged.

I haven't had the pleasure of having to do what you are getting ready to so far (knock on wood) but it looks like a "fun" job - good luck.

 

[C. Harlan]

well my dash was so cracked, it was no problem just breaking it the rest of the way to get it all torn off. .



The reason I am doing it, is that there is very minimal, if any heat. . back when I was living outside of town with the GF, there were some cooooold mornings when I had to drive 48 miles each way to work, and in the mid 20's and no heater, it was chilly! I just about had it out earlier, then had to come to a stopping point, since it started getting dark. . the AC works perfect, and right now, funds are not plentiful to fix something if its in great working order. . I am selling mighty whitey, so I am bringing Black Betty back into the Daily Driver scene, and pouring some $$ and TLC into her. .



The only other problem I have encountered today was the rubber hoses like to stick to the old heater core pipes, and there is no easy way to pry the rubber off. . I will keep everyone up to date, and try to snap some pics. . Now I hear some people say to get the aftermarket heater cores, as the fittings are flexible; then other people say to get the OEM HC from the dealer. . I just want to get everything put back together, and get her back on the road!!!



-Chris-

 

[GAmes]

Chris, Joe D wrote an article how to do it without disconnecting the A/C. Issue 46, page 12



FWIW I'd go with OEM. The original lasted a long time, why gamble with Chinese junk?



Gary

 

[SHobbs]

Have you tried contacting Chrysler customer care about the dash top? I called them about my dash top this year and they covered the labor to replace it and this was nine years after I bought my truck. All I paid was $425 for the top and an additional $350 to have the core and evaporator replaced while they were in there. I provided the core and evaporator the $350 was the labor to change them. They figured about 4 hours to change them out which may have been a little high but, what the heck they were already in there. Saved me a little over $500 which was the labor to change the top.

 

[Joe Mc]

Chris, if you are removing the heater core and there's no need to worry about damaging it, to get the hoses off, can you cut the stubs off the core and then once its out of the way work at getting the stubs out of the hose? Not sure if there's room for this or not - just an idea.

 

[Wooter]

Just to say it again

Replace the a/c evap core while your in there! You will never regret it and kick yer self if you don't!!!

 

[DFerverda]

You didn't ask and i don't know if you need it , but here is a good post with pictures of the "hidden" bolts.
I also vote to replace the evap while there... ... ... ... .

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...discussions/166129-hvac-removal-pictures.html

 

[MMeier]

Hmmmm....

... did we not discuss this a week ago at the bar ?? Off topic, did you guys drive the box truck back ?