Need to change the heater core
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Need to change the heater core
Not sure if it is the same as my 99 5.2L, but Ihad to change my evaporator due to a leak, and while I had everything apart I went ahead and changed the heater core too, just because it is such a pain. I can't see how you don't have to disconnect the ac lines to do it. Not sure but maybe you can split the heater/ac box still installed. If you search the forum you can find some good step by step instructions that involve disconnecting the lines, but I haven't seen any kind of short cut to remove it with leaving the heater/ac box installed. Basically the job I did involved dropping the steering column, unbolting the dash and holding out of the way to access the heater box under the dash. A ratchet strap to the oh Sh** handle is good for holding the dash up and out of the way, that way you don't have to disconnect the harnesses and pull it out of the truck. then under the hood, the 2 heater core lines, and 2 ac lines, had to remove the pcm to access a couple of the nuts for the heater box. I think there was about 5 total. remove and split the ac box, swap out the heater core and/or evaporator, and put it all back together. Plan on spending a good 5 or 6 hours, plus the trip to the ac shop for servicing. Not exactly an easy job but with time and patience, a lot easier to swallow than the dealer bill.
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Need to change the heater core
ORIGINAL: spo999
Not sure if it is the same as my 99 5.2L, but Ihad to change my evaporator due to a leak, and while I had everything apart I went ahead and changed the heater core too, just because it is such a pain. I can't see how you don't have to disconnect the ac lines to do it. Not sure but maybe you can split the heater/ac box still installed. If you search the forum you can find some good step by step instructions that involve disconnecting the lines, but I haven't seen any kind of short cut to remove it with leaving the heater/ac box installed. Basically the job I did involved dropping the steering column, unbolting the dash and holding out of the way to access the heater box under the dash. A ratchet strap to the oh Sh** handle is good for holding the dash up and out of the way, that way you don't have to disconnect the harnesses and pull it out of the truck. then under the hood, the 2 heater core lines, and 2 ac lines, had to remove the pcm to access a couple of the nuts for the heater box. I think there was about 5 total. remove and split the ac box, swap out the heater core and/or evaporator, and put it all back together. Plan on spending a good 5 or 6 hours, plus the trip to the ac shop for servicing. Not exactly an easy job but with time and patience, a lot easier to swallow than the dealer bill.
Not sure if it is the same as my 99 5.2L, but Ihad to change my evaporator due to a leak, and while I had everything apart I went ahead and changed the heater core too, just because it is such a pain. I can't see how you don't have to disconnect the ac lines to do it. Not sure but maybe you can split the heater/ac box still installed. If you search the forum you can find some good step by step instructions that involve disconnecting the lines, but I haven't seen any kind of short cut to remove it with leaving the heater/ac box installed. Basically the job I did involved dropping the steering column, unbolting the dash and holding out of the way to access the heater box under the dash. A ratchet strap to the oh Sh** handle is good for holding the dash up and out of the way, that way you don't have to disconnect the harnesses and pull it out of the truck. then under the hood, the 2 heater core lines, and 2 ac lines, had to remove the pcm to access a couple of the nuts for the heater box. I think there was about 5 total. remove and split the ac box, swap out the heater core and/or evaporator, and put it all back together. Plan on spending a good 5 or 6 hours, plus the trip to the ac shop for servicing. Not exactly an easy job but with time and patience, a lot easier to swallow than the dealer bill.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Need to change the heater core
Yes, two different animals, however they live in the same place. To remove either the heater core, or the evaporator, the hvac box mounted under the dash on the pax side must be removed. This is why both the a/c lines, and the heater core lines under the hood on the firewall need to be disconnected. Again, unless somebody has done one by splitting the hvac box while installed, the a/c lines will need to be disconnected and refrigerant properly disposed of to complete the job.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 20
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From:
RE: Need to change the heater core
If I remember right, the heater core can slide out the top of the havc box. You may need to loosenand pull the havc box away from the firewall, just to clear the water hose connections.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park, NY
RE: Need to change the heater core
I have a 96 Ram 1500, 5.9. I recently had to change the heater core and yes, you have to have the AC lines discharged and the compressor needs to come out to get to the bolts under the bracket for the compressor. Auto parts store sells the plastic tools to break the AC lines and put them back together. It's not a fun job but I saved about 6 hours in labor costs.
Thread Starter
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Professional
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Southern MD
RE: Need to change the heater core
Thanks alot everyone for your input. I am looking at tackling the job as soon as I get some free time. My wife seems to think that its something I can do in 1hr while watching my 2 yr old son..lol. He helps me wash the truck all the time, but changing out the heater core is a LITTLE more involved and requirers more attention....wifes...not all wifes just those like mine with no common sense, anyways appreciate it everyone. I let you know how it goes...when it goes.
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Need to change the heater core
OK, many of you have talked about replacing the heater core; however, NONE HAS STEPPED UP AND STATED WHAT A MAJOR PAIN IN THE *** IT IS!!!!![:@]
I have my dash halfway hanging right now and have two major problems: 1) the manuals states there are four studs from the heater core box into the engien bay -- I have only found three of them. 2) HOW THE **** DO YOU REMOVE THE DASH??????
I have not disconnected the A/C lines, figuring I can push this far enough into the passenger compartment to make the swap; however, THIS JOB BLOWS.
I have my dash halfway hanging right now and have two major problems: 1) the manuals states there are four studs from the heater core box into the engien bay -- I have only found three of them. 2) HOW THE **** DO YOU REMOVE THE DASH??????
I have not disconnected the A/C lines, figuring I can push this far enough into the passenger compartment to make the swap; however, THIS JOB BLOWS.
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Need to change the heater core
OK, during a scroll down of this page, I saw where one of the studs is located behind the PCM. Got the core and everything loosened up enough that I got it removed. Here are pics of it. I'd say there were issues with it:
The Haynes states to save any foam that was left over; however, this stuff is stuck to it really good. The replacement I got is aluminum, and I don't like how the solids lines are made to rotate on a collar. I think I'm going to return it and get a proper copper/brass unit. Also, the old core was soaked on the bottom with what I think is some kind of lubricant. Could be from the A/C, but I doubt it as that still has pressure. I'll investigate further.
The Haynes states to save any foam that was left over; however, this stuff is stuck to it really good. The replacement I got is aluminum, and I don't like how the solids lines are made to rotate on a collar. I think I'm going to return it and get a proper copper/brass unit. Also, the old core was soaked on the bottom with what I think is some kind of lubricant. Could be from the A/C, but I doubt it as that still has pressure. I'll investigate further.
