Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Leaking heater core

[CChamberlain]

Has anyone attempted to replace the heater core in their truck? I have a 2002 BR2500 Diesel and have noticed fluid coming from the floor outlet and very little heat at operating temp of 190. Changed the thermostat a while back thinking that was the problem for lack of heat. That wasn't the problem.



From reading and talking with others, this is a very costly task if done by the dealer and pretty involved for the home mechanic. Any suggestions would be helpful in making the final decision of doing it myself or sendin it to the dealer.



Clint

 

[FourBarR]

I had mine done a few months ago at the dealer. Not that I could not have done it myself,as a former diesel mechanic for 15 years ,and aircraft engineer for 28. But at the time I was too busy with work to do. I had them change the evaporator at the same time. Here in Canada it cost me 1325. 00 including taxes. Took them about 8. 0 hrs. There is a a TDR magazine that covers the whole operation . some one will come on with the issue number.

 

[CumminsPuller]

At my shop I would charge about $770. 00+the core, which includes a cooling system flush and new antifreeze. Whenever we replace a heater core I always advise flushing the cooling system. Old and especially dirty antifreeze we have seen can really shorten the life of the heater core or the radiator. But on a side note we change out more Dodge pickup heater cores than any other vehicle. As FourBarR stated, he had the evaporator replaced as well. This is smart. You would hate to replace the heater core and have the evaporator leak anytime soon. All that labor would have to be paid again. I hope this helps in some way or another.





Jason

 

[Nyoest]

If you do it yourself make sure to fill it with distilled water when you refill the coolant. You don't need calcium building up on the new heater core.

 

[GaryOwen]

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



Recently did mine on my 95 after putting it off for a couple of years. It took me about 6 hours total, but I work pretty slow. Hardest part was getting the studs lined up to go back through the firewall. Really wasn't all that bad, but takes some patience.

 

[Paragod9700911]

I found a video on YouTube that was pretty helpful.

 

[JMLambert]

My son and I did mine a month ago, it took about 3 hours following the directions from the TDR magazine. As stated the only issue was getting the studs lined back up as they are loose fitting and can be knocked out of their holders. Overall it was not that hard and the heater and defroster work a lot better.