Ive got a 1994 Dodge Dakota 3.9L. Tried to flush the Heater Core with my garden hose, as I read on several threads on this forum in order to unclog it, and ended up blowing a hole in the core. Now its leaking like no other, Not gonna pay a shop 600 to fix it, and gonna try and tackle it myself. Any hints/tips? Websites that tell me quicker ways to get at it? I have the AllDATA Service info, but anyone have any other ideas? Let me know. Thanks

 

you can replace the heater core without having to remove the dash. You'll need to first have your freon discharged and the heater & a/c unit can be snaked out from underneath the dash on your remove wires. Best way to find out is get a chilton's manual or a Haynes manual that has pictures and you should be able to do it on your own.

 

Good luck. I replaced one in my 91. They're 4 nuts on the firewall that hold the heater box in. You must remove the glove compartment completely. There are a few screws behind the ashtray. A few vacuum lines to unhook and blower motor plug. Don't forget the to unhook the heater core hoses. Practice up on your cussing.......It also helped me to take out the radio to get the wires out of the way. Mine didn't have A/C. Be careful with the duct work it's tender. Might be forgetting something it's been a while.

 

Where exactly are the nuts on the firewall? I have the glovebox and lower instrument panel off, and i'm staring right at the heater box. So I just take those nuts out and the whole box just slides out? Seems too easy to me

 

They look like speaker nuts. There are three on the pass side and one on the driver. I think they are 11mm. They are kind of hidden. If you want I can take a pic of one from my truck for you. I had to wrestle the heater box out of mine. I also took my seat out. Of course I'm 6'1'' and 270 pounds.......Don't forget the hoses to the heater core.

 

If you could do that, that would be awesome. Are the nuts in the engine compartment on the firewall? Or on the heater box somewhere?

 

Sorry I didn't specify. Outside under the hood. Here's you a pic. Hope it helps.

 

Sorry for all the questions...I just dont wanna mess it up. Does the whole box just pull out after those nuts come off?

 

Yup. Remember to unhook the cable that controls the "hot" or "cold". It's on top of the heater box you can feel it. Unhook the vacuum lines, one goes thru the firewall to the brake booster. Finally unhook the blower connector. Just take your time and tug on it a little than check to see if anything is holding it back and tug some more. Ol and the vent and defrost duct stay in the truck. You'll see what I mean. Good luck.

 

I did it in my '95 3.9 last month. Make sure to remove your seat! If you have a floor shift, like mine, that needs to come out too. Once the box is loose and everything disconnected, pull the box towards you and twist the top down and the bottom up. Have lots of rags/towels on the floor to soak up the coolant that'll leak out of the heater core. Here's the thread I posted not long ago. Good luck!

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...n-my-95-a.html