Well, I pulled the aftermaket A/C out so that I can replace all of the hoses. I figured that since the evaporator was out of the way, I would replace the heater core. I guess I bent the pipes while putting it in, because it leaks. I pulled it back out to find leaks at both the inlet and outlet. I guess I will get another one and try again.

I should be pretty good at this soon. Once you pull the passenger seat out it is not too bad to work under there...

Did you make sure the hose clamps were good and tight? You SURE it was the core itself leaking?

If so, that blows.

------------------
Gordon

1979 Camaro Berlinetta

Yup, I pulled and there are cracks where both pipes join the body. At least they are cheap...

it isnt from autozone, they have a tendancy to leak.

Heater cores just sucks to replace all together. To have to do it a second time would just be frustrating for me.

Heater cores and radiators are very fragile. I've seen plenty of them broken by people replacing hoses and not being careful enough. A little too much pressure on the inlet and outlet pipes, and they are done.

Yes, I will be more careful this time. I was unable to remove the plate on the engine side of the firewall, so I have to try and snake the pipes through the holes blind.

The job isn't too bad once you remove the passenger seat, remove the A/C, and do it once or twice. With everthing already out of the way, I had the broken core out in about 10 minutes, and I bet I will get it put back together in an hour. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Took me two whole days to do mine. I had never done any interior work before I replace my heater core. It sucked.

Then I had to do the one in the '88 Suburban. That was done in a few hours.

------------------
Gordon

1979 Camaro Berlinetta

I live in New York and I ripped out the heater core. I didnt think you needed heat down there, Try putting a little grease on the hoses when you slide them on the core so they slip right on.

I usually use a little bit of vaseline. It does make the hoses slip right on.

I got a new heater core today, but the bends in the pipes just will not let the thing go through the holes in the firewall. There is just no way to do this without getting that plate off the firewall.

I tried resoldering the one that I bent and made leak. I didn't have any flux, so I could not get the solder to flow very well. I fixed one pipe, but the other still leaks. I coated it with JB Weld, and we will see if that takes care of it. I don't like the idea of this working for just a little while, but I don't know what else to do at this point. I don't see why JB Weld would not work in this situation. Maybe I can pressure test it with my air compressor...

I had a helper pushing the under-dash box in place while I fished the tubes through the holes. I used a screwdriver in the tubes to guide them through te firewall because I didn't want my fingers in there while someone else was pushing.

I did have to "adjust" the tubes a little bit. This was on an 80 with AC. I know it can be done.

Well, if it makes you feel any better, it was just as big a pain on my 70 with A/C. I took the glove box door off and that helped me see some of what I was doing.

------------------
John Wright
------------------------
Ok, now go change all your passwords :)

Here's a tip. I found out some time ago that if you remove the inner front fender on that side it makes removing or installing the core enclosure much easier. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
77 Camaro Z28 (To my grave) and 03 S-10 shorty ZQ8 4.3, (my daily driver)

question, engine side, what do you seal that box back up with... looks like some kind of hardening sealer like seam sealer, but i don't know where to go about getting the correct stuff...