What I was dreading finally happened... heater core is leaking coolant through the firewall AND into the cab of my jeep onto the passenger carpet and floor-mat. I recently replaced thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, upper and lower rad hoses, and upper and lower heater core hoses, water inlet tube from water pump, temperature sensor, and electric fan. No water pump or clutch fan, or heater core. flushed everything really well.... Jeep has been running amazing for a month and they noticed the coolant reservoir was getting low... investigated and it's 100% the heater core. assuming my 20 year old OG heater core didn't like being flushed, although I was careful not to put a lot of water PSI through it.... just time, it happens.

Question here is what is the easiest way to replace the heater core? One caveat is that I have already deleted my AC, so there is tons of room under the hood.,, no compressor, no accumulator, no hoses... no need to flush refrigerant. Only thing that remains of the AC is the evaporator core inside the dash next to the heater core.... I am really dreading taking my steering column, seats, and dash apart to replace a $30 heater core. Winter is approaching and I'll definitely need it + it's also leaking aggressively, so needs to be changed now.

I wish I could just cut into my firewall and take it out.... I'm willing to do the hard job if necessary just curious if any of you guys have any recommended shortcuts here since my AC has already been deleted.

 

The easiest way to replace a heater core is to let someone else do it.

A heater core is not that difficult, just time consuming. Pull the seats (optional) and the center console as that gives loads more room to work. The dash doesnt have to come ALL the way out. You just need enough room to get to the core. Some swing the dash to the side using straps, but some do remove it entirely. I seen a video or two on Youtube.

Disconnect the battery before you do anything. You do not want to accidentally nick the wiring for the airbag. Take pictures as you go, and bag and tag what comes off

 

I'm in the middle of a heater core swap as well. I did a lot of research before starting and the consensus is that there is no easy way. You dont have to take the steering column off or remove the seats, but that would make taking the HVAC box out easier. I'll post links to the resources I used to remove mine.

Something else to keep in mind is that all the OEM replacements heater cores and aluminum and plastic. A lot of them develop leaks way before they should. I'm looking into getting one from thebrassworks.net. they make custom replacements out of copper. Expensive but worth it if I NEVER have to do this again.

https://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/f...97-01-a-16262/

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/en...e-replacement/

https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/.../topics/592844

 

Here is some inspiration for you guys.....

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Step #1: set off a bomb?

 

The fact that your A/C is deleted makes it much easier. It's not all that bad, just time-consuming as others have mentioned. It's a good opportunity to address dash squeaks and rattles, run wiring for aftermarket switches/equipment, and clean and re-seal your airbox assembly.

 

If you have mechanical skills, great. Watch some videos. Not that difficult.

If you have little to no mechanical skills, better to pay someone else do it.

 

I do have mechanical skills, just not the will! haha... this guy's video seems most helpful so far:


I REALLY DON'T want to pull the steering column, and can probably get the rest done just fine. Just a million frickin bolts and screws.... sounds like organization/bagging and tagging is the key to success here...and a second pair of hands. GULP. Gonna have to invest in a lot of flowers and chocolate this week to employ the GF's assistance.

Gotta admit that this design is quite annoying for how "simple" everything has been in the past. Oh well. It's a love/hate relationship with my XJ...

 

...and I thought replacing inner axle seals in my Dana 30 was a PITA.... it's always something.

 

Out of curiosity... any "check list" here for specific things I should check while the dash is off? Like cleaning some of the major electrical connections and putting back together with dialectic grease. Probably the main wiring for the dash where I intermittently get a "NO BUS" reading on the odometer and give it some "Percussive maintenance". Just wondering if there is anything specific I should address while I have it all apart.

 

Question; when you removed the A/C compressor and hoses, did you remove the condenser from in front of the radiator? My thought was getting better airflow thru the radiator by removing it.

One thing you can check is for door bundle wires that show signs of possible near failure.

 

I was thinking that you might have easier access to the cluster when you do this. Told myself if I ever have to and do I might swap out all the cluster lights with LED's.
Even though taking out the cluster itself might be no big deal I ain't doing it just for LED's. Don't care about LED's that much.

 

Yes, I did Dave. Thanks for Door Bundle wires recommendation... I will def check those out.

 

probably a good call to at least check everything is in good working order there. Dunno about LED's but appreciate the recommendation.

 

I just did the mess. Ten hours.

Hire a mechanic.

If you cannot,

Don’t rush it
Disconnect the battery first.
Track every nut, bolt, and electrical connection.
Pay attention to the location/positioning of all the wiring harnesses.
Read about “burping” the cooling system.

Its not very difficult, it just takes patience and time..

Good luck.