Mean Green I thought that electrolysis only happens if current is finding a way to ground through the heater core/ radiator. It doesn't appear that the heater core would be touching anything to make it grounded.

I'm not too sure about the car but on our boat we have consistent battles with electrolysis. The trim cylinders for the outdrives usually get eaten away every 3 years. We have tried grounding everything but nothing works so its just a reality from leaving it in the water for 5 months a year. I dont know how resistant my aluminum heater core will be compared to the old copper one. The copper one started leaking when it was 3-4 years old and we have lived with it for too many years.

 

The coolant carries the electricity just fine through there. It will take a while but it will go.

 

It's important to pull a good long vacuum on the system before charging, at least 30 minutes vacuuming, not just holding a vacuum. This will boil out the moisture and move it out of the system. It wouldn't hurt to add a little pag oil, especially if you lost a little bit when discharging.

 

Does the heater really have to come all the way out or can you take the top off the heater box and replace the core that way?

 

I am not sure if it can stay in the car. I broke my box in a few places so it had to come out to get glued back together.

And for the a/c it still hasn't been charged. I have been way too busy with work. But I am aware about holding the vacuum for a long itme.

 

It's gotta come all the way out.

 

200 Durango v6
For me, it was easier to tilt the dash back, pull the hvac box back a bit roll it towards the front 1/4 roll and bring it up and out the passenger side. More pics and info available from wigtail@hotmail.com

 

I didn't take the 4x4 shifter or console tray out. I would have had much more room had i taken time to loosen up the drivers seat and move it back a few more inches. The steering column gets tight up against the seat. You have to push the column and dash down as far as it will go on drivers side. The seat being loose would help.

 

When you get the heater box out, take the little metal arm and nut off the flapper shaft. The pushnut can stay or go. I took it off so it would be easier to reassemble.