2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Heater Core woes

[JamesPhillips]

OK. I have a question but I think I already know the answer. When I'm driving (after the truck is warm) I'm getting a slight hint of steam on the windshield, the defrost doesn't work - it only makes matters worse, and I smell antifreeze also. I don't have any antifreeze leaking into the floorboard. Is there anything else this could be besides a bad heater core? I called the local Dodge dealership to get a repair estimate. They estimated it would cost $1000. I thought that was very steep but I'm not sure what is involved in the replacement on this particular truck. I have a service manual that mentions discharging the A/C system. I don't have the equipment to do that. Is this an easy repair, does the dash have to be removed to replace, is $1000 reasonable? There is a local radiator shop that I've used many times that has very reasonable rates. I'm going to talk with them tomorrow morning. I hope I can get this repair for less than $1000. Thanks for any suggestions.



James Phillips

Sanford, NC

1996 2500 ext. cab, long bed, 2wd, automatic

132,000 miles

K&N air filter, straight exhaust

 

[Shovelhead]

A few members have tackled this task before.



As I recall the opinion was, "It's worth the $$$ to have someone else do it. "

It involves removing the entire dash. :{

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My 97 got as far as the slight odor of antifreeze. I removed the piipes and plugged the head and water inlet housing. My excuse was that injector changes would be easier.



I bought a new heater core and it rests happily on the shelf in my garage. Some day I will get desperate enough to replace it. I also have heard the nightmare stories, and when I suggest to my diesel tech at the local dealership that he change it for $xx, he hangs up on me (just kidding, but he did say it was a big job).



I keep telling myself I'll change it and put an article on the job in the TDR, when it gets cooler here in Vegas. Maybe it will get too cold before I get around to it



Best wishes, and hope it turns out easier to do than I fear.

Joe

 

[JamesPhillips]

Thanks for you comments. I dropped off my truck at a small independent radiator shop this morning. This guy is really good. He said it is a tough job and will take about 2 days for him to replace. I'll give an update when I get it back. Hopefully he can beat the Dodge dealership. I really got taken to the bank when they rebuilt my transmission. I'm hoping I'll never have to rely on the dealership again.



Thanks,

James

 

[Mtngoat]

I watched a little of FloorIt change out one. Lets just say I'm saving my pennies if that day ever comes for me. . I'd rather pay him than do it myself. It is NOT an easy job.



Robin

 

[JamesPhillips]

Update on Heater core

I just talked with the mechanic. While draining the cooling system down, he found that my radiator has been leaking on both sides. The corrosion had sealed the leaks therefore I didn't notice any leakage on the ground. However I did smell antifreeze from time to time. Anyway, total cost to replace the radiator and heater core is about $960. That's much better than Dodge's quote of $1000 just to replace the heater core. Hope this info is helpful for anyone else who experiences this unfortunate situation.



James

 

[10-G]

I replaced the evaporater core on my 96. It is a heck of a job.



If you have someone replace your heater core, go ahead and replace the evaporater core while you are it and vice versa.



If you do it yourself you can probably save $400-500. Then you will still have to pay someone to suck out the system and refill using gauges.



Good luck

 

[JJW_ND]

Something doesn't sound right?

I had my 96 done about three years ago at a small town Dodge dealer. It was the techs first and it only took him 5 hours start to finish. He said the second one would be 4 hours of less. Total cost including parts was $331. 41.



jjw

ND

 

[C. Harlan]

I thought a blower motor was a pain in the @ss on my old first gen... I would hate to have to tackle this, but I am sure it will come down to it one day!! just something to look forward to, as me and my baby are in this for the long haul! about to get my 200k club TDR plate!



-Chris-

 

[Mtngoat]

JJW-ND-



I watched a little bit of what FLoorIt went thru to change a heater core, and he knows what hes doing. No way can that be done in a couple of hours. And I think it was a 98 he was working on. . Unless your 96 is way different...



Robin

 

[JamesPhillips]

Truck is back on the road

FYI. The heater core and radiator replacement cost was $860. I thought this was a very fair price plus I didn't have to spend a weekend doing the work. Hope this info is helpful.



James