I'm getting ready to replace a busted heater core in my 99' 1500, I know the procedure ,but I really don't want to evac my a/c. I'm thinking of removing the factory press-fit joints and replacing them with short pieces of hose and clamps. This way , in theory , I wouldn't have to remove the heater/ ac box. Any thoughts or comments would be great. Greg

 

This can be done with out evac the a/c. You do not need to remove the dash as much as you think. Trust me I did it took me 2 hours total.

Post #10
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...tructions.html

Thank the MODS for the confusion on the thread.

 

Thanks working !! Thats even better than my idea !! This is the second core I've had to replace. Any idea if this is "normal" ? The replacement was the "swivel-joint" style and all aluminum. My wife says its happened because I didn't use distilled or de-ionized water with the anti-freeze.Any comment? Greg

 

Did this last weekend in a little more than two hours.

Be sure to use front wheel chocks.

 

distilled or de-ionized water will not help anything. I would say this could be do to electrolyzing. To much coolant to water. Or to muck time between flushing.

Easy way to help with the electrolyzing add grounds from the frame to the engine. Also check the ground strap for the heater core.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...hegurl/5-2.jpg

 

I've not heard good things about those swivel joint aluminum. They also don't come wrapped in foam like the original style. If anything, you've been running regular water instead of distilled water through the cooling system, not to mention the cooling system should be thoroughly flushed every three years.

 

Is there another style core that I should use? Also what "not good " things have you heard about the swivel ,VW? Would my idea of deleting the swivels work cause I already went through one swivel core and would hate to go through another .Thanks to all,Greg

 

Yea, a brass one, but they don't make them swivel style. So add 8 more hours for removal/installation. LOL