2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Leaky Heater Core and Orange Antifreeze

[Matt42]

Well, what I thought (and hoped) was a musty odor from the heater core turned out to be a leak. I think I remember reading that the orange "dex-cool" type antifreeze doesn't like soldered brass radiators, like our heater cores. I've been using the stuff for about three years, and have had the worsening smell for two.



So here's a question: How many of us with leaky heater cores have been using the orange coolant?

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

On my 93 I always used the green stuff and had a leaky heater core. Don't know if the newer trucks are different but they put a stick on bumper pad on the core and set it in place. Well mine had shifted and it basically wore a hole in the end of the core. I did the job myself and it wasn't fun on that truck.

 

[Matt42]

I'm mentally preparing myself to do the job. $775 at the dealer, which isn't bad, all things considered. Any commercial outfit will probably just use the stick-on foam. I may upgrade the core. This outfit has an interesting looking product:

http://www.hillsgarage.com/cheaters.html



I'll probably also replace the evaporator, which is also a known "feature. "



I am soooo not looking forward to standing on my head on the truck's floor.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I had alot of hours into the job, what a PITA it was. On the 1st gens you basically have to pry the box the core is in out from under the dash. And of course I had a few spare parts left over. I had always said that what ever it would've cost it would be worth it to let someone else do it but $775!!! Guess I would've done it myself if I had to do it again. Good Luck

 

[DMC]

Are the Balkamp heater cores any good? I think I saw them at Napa for under $100 bucks. Just another option.



Don

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

It's not the cost of the core as much as it is labor, I bought my core at NAPA but it's a huge project at least on the 1st gen trucks.

 

[DMC]

Tim :



I went and looked up the procedure in the shop manual. Gawd what an ordeal. I dont envy you you at all. Looks like you'll need to bring some patience with ya.



Good Luck



Don