2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Heater Core Article

[CHill]

I need to replace the heater core in my 01 2500. I have the service manual but I can't find my issue 57 of the TDR magazine that had the writeup and helpful hints on taking on this project. Does anyone have that eddition that would be willing to scan those could of pages and email them to me?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

See my column in TDR #59, p. 90.

 

[Houser]

Might just need to be flushed

If your heater core isn't leaking antifreeze it may just need to be flushed out. I have an 02 that just rolled 100k. the heater started running noticablly cooler last winter. one of the mechanics where I work suggested flushing the sediment out of the core with a garden hose before spending a lot of time and money on a new core.

The job took about 15 mins and now my heater works fine again.

I disconnected the heater hoses from the engine block then blasted water through each way for about 20 seconds. went back and fourth a couple times

just to make sure all the sludge was out. hooked the hoses back up topped the radiator off and was back in business in about 15 mins.



Just an Idea

Houser

 

[CHill]

No it was not just a slight leak it was like a water fall under my dash. I just got the new one installed today. What a PITA of a job!!! I was able to do it without discharging the A/C line. It helped that my dash pretty much disintegrated do I just went ahead and broke the rest of the top of the dash out which added some extra working room. Now I get to pay Dodge $317 for a new dash. Which brings me to another question that someone might be able to answer for me. The dash is a grey color. What does Dodge call this interior color? I have another 2500 that has a black dash and I think that one is Agate or something like that. Thanks

 

[Richterno1]

No it was not just a slight leak it was like a water fall under my dash. I just got the new one installed today. What a PITA of a job!!! I was able to do it without discharging the A/C line. It helped that my dash pretty much disintegrated do I just went ahead and broke the rest of the top of the dash out which added some extra working room. Now I get to pay Dodge $317 for a new dash. Which brings me to another question that someone might be able to answer for me. The dash is a grey color. What does Dodge call this interior color? I have another 2500 that has a black dash and I think that one is Agate or something like that. Thanks

ITs called mist gray