Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Heater core replacement

[SCrowley]

Has anybody found a easy way to replace the heater core in a 2001 dodge truck 5. 9L ? thanks Scott

 

[Bob Cochran]

Lot of information on how and all pretty much the same. No easy way I have read about.

 

[Wooter]

Heater Core

There aint no easy way (quick way that is)! It takes a lot of time to do it and when you do, or if you have someone do it, buy a good replacement core. There are some that are real junk and ya don't want to do the job twice.

Dodge Dealer has a good one (heater core) you won't be sorry sorry that you spent the money. Oh yah, do the A/C evaporator while your in there, if you haven't had that replaced. There are some good A/C core available and they are not that expensive.

 

[hsmith]

The only easy was is have someone else do it. Otherwise, patience my man.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

See TDR issue 46, p. 12 and Issue 59, p. 90.

 

[Matt42]

Has anybody found a easy way to replace the heater core in a 2001 dodge truck 5. 9L ? thanks Scott

Welcome to the TDR. Where are you? There may be someone local to you that has done this and can help.

 

[SCrowley]

I`m in Yosemite Ca. working and it`s starting too cold ! I have been told any where from 800- 1100 dollars to have it done. But I live in Apache Junction Az.

 

[diesel DOG]

yea hand the mechanic 950 he did use OEM and did the AC while in there which was another 75 for the parts I am guessing from memory. It is not a small job.

 

[Matt42]

I`m in Yosemite Ca. working and it`s starting too cold ! I have been told any where from 800- 1100 dollars to have it done. But I live in Apache Junction Az.

I understand it being too cold. I discovered that mine had a pinhole leak with my daughter, in Colorado, when it was 10 degrees F outside. We had a choice of being gassed or being cold. We chose cold.



Diesel Dog is right, if there is someone nearby you can hand $950 to and you have the $950 to hand them. I ended up doing it myself. It was a two-day job, taking my time, but I also have the A/C tools. When you get it done, buy MoPar replacement heater core and air conditioning evaporator. You will save a lit of trouble later on. Also buy five replacement plastic screw-sockets that snap into the steel firewall. These are the socket thingys that the dashboard fastens to. After XX years, they will have deteriorated and won't be secure any more. If you don't replace them, your dashboard will rattle forevermore. The sockets are about $4 each at the dealer but worth it.



The problem that I think caused the heater core failure on mine was poor installation at the factory. It didn't ground well, and electrolytic action caused the core to erode. I made double extra sure to ground the new one very well.



The instructions in the print version of the TDR are pretty good.

 

[hsmith]

$950 sounds a bit steep, but then, things in CA are pricier than here in TX. While you are there, make sure all the servos are functional and doors are not broken.

 

[SNiebaum]

$950 sounds a bit steep, but then, things in CA are pricier than here in TX. While you are there, make sure all the servos are functional and doors are not broken.

not really... . from Dodge a core is like $257 MSRP and then plan on at least 7 hours of shop time...

 

[hsmith]

Correct, but that still leaves $200+ wiggle room at the $950 price. But then, CA shops are probably a bit more than the rates here.

 

[johncameron]

not really... . from Dodge a core is like $257 MSRP and then plan on at least 7 hours of shop time...

I did mine with a friend in less than 6hrs... ...

 

[Matt42]

That picture looks agonizingly familiar. The user side of the dashboard is different, but the melange under the dash is the same. I did more rotation and used a dowel to support the dash.

 

[KKlingbeil]

I did mine in probably 8 hours, and somehow didn't have to break the a/c lines. I somehow stretched (pulled like hell) and got the heater core to come out. Also, I ended up just taking the whole dash out and setting it in the back. I think it made it easier, and it wasn't too hard to just remove.

 

[Ncostello]

In the several vehicles I've ever done... one step always remains the same. I remove the front seats. If I remember... the 90 Mustang GT was by far the worst I've ever done. Cars have so much less room and the same amout of stuff has to move.

 

[Matt42]

In the several vehicles I've ever done... one step always remains the same. I remove the front seats. If I remember... the 90 Mustang GT was by far the worst I've ever done. Cars have so much less room and the same amout of stuff has to move.

I didn't need to remove the seats. I just moved them as far back as I could. Then I dropped the steering column by removing the U-mount under the dash. There was interference between the steering wheel and the seat that made me -think- about taking out the seat, but in the end, I just worked around the obstructions.

 

[ALepley]

I had to laugh when I saw this post. I just recently looked up in alldata about replacing mine. I am starting to smell it through the vents. I looked up the estimated time and shook my head. Im not looking forward to it. I think I'd rather pull an engine out.

 

[Matt42]

I had to laugh when I saw this post. I just recently looked up in alldata about replacing mine. I am starting to smell it through the vents. I looked up the estimated time and shook my head. Im not looking forward to it. I think I'd rather pull an engine out.

Given the choice, I'd rather do the heater core again. That's only because I've done it and know how.

 

[terrywerm]

I started smelling mine through the vents too, just a week or so ago, so I know what I'm in for. Thanks for the advice on replacing the AC evap coil too.