2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Time to replace Heater Core, Any Short Cuts?

[CrewCabDiesel]

Been stocking up parts, got a new heater core, heater hoses (dealerprice $5. 25 each ), evaporator, recevier dryer, blower motor, and going to get a new compressor next week. At 272k miles even though the compressor still works, its time. I am going through about 1lb of R134 every 6 months. Truck still has oem dash that has had a cover on it since 2002 so I am not sure on its condition.

So does anyone have some short cuts or words of wisdom other than let someone else do it?

Thanks

Kyle

 

[GAmes]

If you have a windshield that looks like a starburst when you drive into the sun, replace it at the same time. With the windshield removed it is a lot easier to replace the dash plastic. Replacing the heater core has been covered in the magazine, but I can't tell you which one. It was quite awhile ago.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Heater core replacement was covered in TDR Issue 46, p. 12 and Issue 59, p. 90.

 

[KrisKringle]

If you have a windshield that looks like a starburst when you drive into the sun, replace it at the same time. With the windshield removed it is a lot easier to replace the dash plastic. Replacing the heater core has been covered in the magazine, but I can't tell you which one. It was quite awhile ago.

Thanks Joe, I was getting ready to search the archives... time for me to change mine. Dash pad too (finally). I figured I would do it all at once. Jonathan.

 

[KrisKringle]

Heater core replacement was covered in TDR Issue 46, p. 12 and Issue 59, p. 90.

Uh, it used to be possible to print the pages I needed from the back-issues... now it looks like I can only view them. Am I missing something? I am a bit old fashioned, in that I like paper, not reading on a screen... plus having the laptop perched on the fender can lead to disaster... JK

 

[Axtell3]

I had the same question about printing, and for the same project.

 

[hsmith]

If I were to do mine over, which I hope I don't have to, I would also replace the upper hinge on the drivers door at the same time. Near impossible with dash in place. I did the pin-bushing repair and was not fun. Had to drill the holes for the bushings.

 

[hsmith]

If I were to do mine over, which I hope I don't have to, I would also replace the upper hinge on the drivers door at the same time. Near impossible with dash in place. I did the pin-bushing repair and was not fun. Had to drill the holes for the bushings.

 

[hsmith]

If I were to do mine over, which I hope I don't have to, I would also replace the upper hinge on the drivers door at the same time. Near impossible with dash in place. I did the pin-bushing repair and was not fun. Had to drill the holes for the bushings.

 

[hsmith]

If I were to do mine over, which I hope I don't have to, I would also replace the upper hinge on the drivers door at the same time. Near impossible with dash in place. I did the pin-bushing repair and was not fun. Had to drill the holes for the bushings.

 

[hsmith]

Sorry for the repeats. Tried to delete and it reposted every time.

 

[JKosten]

I had to replaced mine about 2 years ago. This is what I did: I had gotten the heater core from O'riellys and their part had the two tubes on rotating joints at the body. So after finagling the dash off and ratchet strapping it to the roof, I surveyed the setup and chose to not break the A/C lines. Instead I opened the joints on the heater core to install the parts seperatly and then re-crimp the connections. After opening the crimps, I found that inside the crimps were large o-rings that sealed to the pipe, not the crimp so resealing would not be hard to do. Once everything was in, I started the truck and after checking for leaks, put the dash back in. The entire heater core process was only about 2-3 hours.

 

[KKohagen]

I replaced my heater core using the procedure in the issue noted above. For me the hardest part was removing all of the crumbling parts of the dash pad that ke[t falling down and in the way.
I left the A/C connected and the replacement core I got from Napa, with the hinges. Replaced the core and then worked on putting the new Dash pad in place. The whole thing took me about 4-5 hours. However 1 hour was for waiting for the wife to get home so I could get new heater hoses, they both split while I was removing.

 

[KrisKringle]

I had to replaced mine about 2 years ago. This is what I did: I had gotten the heater core from O'riellys and their part had the two tubes on rotating joints at the body. So after finagling the dash off and ratchet strapping it to the roof, I surveyed the setup and chose to not break the A/C lines. Instead I opened the joints on the heater core to install the parts seperatly and then re-crimp the connections. After opening the crimps, I found that inside the crimps were large o-rings that sealed to the pipe, not the crimp so resealing would not be hard to do. Once everything was in, I started the truck and after checking for leaks, put the dash back in. The entire heater core process was only about 2-3 hours.

I remember seeing pictures in a post of the method you described... I will have to take a look...

 

[Axtell3]

Mine was pretty easy. got the dash peeled back, cut off the lines about midway. pulled them through. Put in the NAPA swivel tube unit. Oh forgot I cleaned out the leaves and fluid from the box. New hoses to reconnect. The old ones had bonded with the metal pretty well. Hardest part was getting the dash parts back so I don't feel bad driving it.

Did the waterpump this morning. that was easy compared.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Well I did check the dash and it is still intact, so I hope I will not need to replace it. I guess the money I spent for the cover 10 years ago paid off I have an Advance Auto heater core and still ordering parts. I was going to get it done next week but my radiator just blew a seam so that is $200 for a USA model and while I am there I am replacing the front seal too, so there goes the budget for now on the heater core/ ac fix

 

[Chief USA]

Here is a good review and instructional on replacing the heater core by a friend.

http://articles.mopar1973man.com/2n...oning-evaporator-core-heater-core-replacement

 

[Joe Mc]

so much fun I get to do it again!!!!!!!!

Yeah, Just installed new evap and heater core - fun job. In fact it was so much fun I'll be doing it again as soon as I do battle with Mopar about their POS made in Taiwan heater core = yep did my best to buy good quality parts from Ma Mopar - heater core my price $97, evap my price $175 only to receive (in Mopar boxes) parts with made in Taiwan (heat core) and China (evap) stickers on them - only to have the heater core leak. #@$%!#@$%!#@$%!

I basically paid 50% more than if I got them at Autozone or wherever else. But, I tried to buy "Made in America" = pretty sad that it is "so hard to find items really MADE IN USA" anywhere! Oh, and I just can't wait to go to the stealership and battle some shirt and tie for the replacement part "plus" getting paid for the 8 hours labor. My buddies shop put together Repair Orders one for initial installation and then one for return after install diagnosis of defective new heat core.

I'm friggin boiling that I have to do this screwed up job 2 times on the same truck (mine) in the same month!!!! But I guess you all already figured that out.

Rant complete... for now at least on this thread. :{:{:{:{

 

[Joe Mc]

CCD here's a few short cuts: 1- Most importantly "Do NOT buy parts from Dodge", 2- test heater core before installing it. Do both items 1 & 2 unless you like taking chances that you'll be doing the job again shortly afterwards and only being covered by Dodge for the bad part.

Yeah, just got back from steelership parts counter. Not feeling appreciated in the least bit.