I've notice lately that when I turn heat slector to hot that I get what appears to be steam from the vents so I figure that my heater core is going. Has any one changed out a heater core on a '96, if so how much of a pain is it.


Chuck

 

Who needs a heater in California anyways? You should be able to smell the Anti-freeze as well as it will coat your window on defrost if there is a leak.

 

I do and it does, that's how i came to the conclusion that it was leaking.

 

Changing the core is a pretty big job. At a minimum, you have to unbolt the dash from the top of the cowel and let it rotate down onto the seat. I believe the manual calls for the dash to be removed.

 

I've only done one replacement, about 9 hours start to finish. If I ever do one again could probably shave a couple hours off it. It's a pain but better than laying under the truck to do a job.

 

Thanks for input. I was wondering if I could some of that Aluma seal (radiator stop leak) in to seal it up. Has anyone tried this?

 

I would reccomend you avoid using those. Those products are usually band-aids. I would replace the heater core and flush and fill the entire cooling system.

 

I'll swear by the cooling system sealer that comes in a tube and looks like ground up aluminum, AlumAseal. I've used it on several rigs with success.
In fact one of my JD tractors had a branch run though the radiator 15 years ago. After I found out a new one was $1200 I opted for the radiator sealant after bending the broken core tubes shut. Tractor has accumulated a couple thousand hours since then with several coolant changes, hasn't ever leaked a drop nor ran hot.

I just pour in a quarter tube at a time till it seals.

 

I would do a full system flush and reload mix 50/50 antifreeze.

While reloading with anti-freeze mix the stop leak in with it. (Shake in the anti-freeze jug).

The only reason the heater core is going is because you are not changing your anti-freeze (flushing) when you suppose to! The anti-freeze WILL turn ACIDIC and eat metals of the cooling system. This is the number one reason for failure!

Every two years mine gets dumped even if it's GREEN yet... Because I know the coolant is ACIDIC by now!

If that don't work you going to be changing out a heater core... The cores are expensive and the job is a PAIN in the ____!!! (Fill in blank)

 

Thanks for the info I'll try that.