Heater core job...what else can I do?

[SHOstuff]

I'm about to do my heater core...again in 1 yr. While I'm in there, I would like to replace the condensor and blend door actuator. Anything else y'all could think of? Also, what are the benefits of replacing the condensor?

 

[itwonder]

I wouldn't mess with the condenser unless you are having problems with the A/C - my 2 cents.

 

[SHOstuff]

Sorry. I meant evaporator...:laugh_ti:

 

[SHOstuff]

Since my heater core went out within a year and I got it from O'rielly, does that mean that they don't carry high quality cores or maybe just a got a bad one? Which is better aluminum or brass?

 

[Lorenr]

Heater Core

The job was such a pain that I researched heater cores before I purchased one.
It seems to me that the best one I found was one at NAPA. They have a couple of different versions. As I recall it seems that the more expensive one was the best constructed.

Don't want to do this job more often than is necessary.

 

[SHOstuff]

The job was such a pain that I researched heater cores before I purchased one.
It seems to me that the best one I found was one at NAPA. They have a couple of different versions. As I recall it seems that the more expensive one was the best constructed.

Don't want to do this job more often than is necessary.

You got that right bro. Thats why I'm so hesitant in doing it. Like the same thing that happened with my clutch; within a few months I had to do it all over again because of a bad pressure plate. You talking about somebody was ****** the @#$! off. And that clutch kit was from orielly as well.

 

[SHOtimer]

When my BDA went out, I elected to replace the heater core when I had it apart. 242,000 miles on the original one - no leaks. I opted for a new Ford one. Figured if the original lasted that long, another one should be good.

I only wanted to pull the dash once.

If you've done the HC before you know what the job entails. Once everything is out you have to completely break the assembly apart to remove the evaporator.

I left my original one in. Didn't feel like messing with it further.

Oh, I also replaced my blower motor - it's a breeze when the assembly is out.

Doug

 

[SHOstuff]

Where can I purchase a blower motor...the local parts store?

 

[SHOtimer]

I got a new Ford one at rockauto.

Doug

 

[SHOstuff]

Which is better...aluminum or brass?

 

[Lorenr]

Aluminum or Brass

Over the years I've replaced a bunch of brass (w/lead solder) heater cores. All of the ones that I reinstalled lasted a long time. Some brass cores are heavier that others, I suppose because of the gauge of the brass tubing, the fins, etc.

Don't know a thing about Aluminum except that I'd guess they are welded and the thicker the tubing, the better. Might last a long time.

 

[turbo79]

Since my heater core went out within a year and I got it from O'rielly, does that mean that they don't carry high quality cores or maybe just a got a bad one? Which is better aluminum or brass?

a) Brass, much less subject to corrision from the coolant than aluminum.

b) Try a Ford dealer, and see if they will search for one at other dealers if they don't have one in stock. If you find one it will be an improved design. Then again, if you have a local radiator shop or radiator shop chain (like Mac's here on the west coast), go with them. Unlike some auto parts chains, either can't afford to sell lesser quality replacements. Also, you may be able to get a brass one through Carquest; I did about a year ago. Things change, though...

 

[SHOtimer]

The Ford one I put in was Aluminum....it was manufactured this year, fyi.

I also replaced the one in my '98 Taurus, with a Ford unit, it was Aluminum also....

Doug

 

[jabo]

Stick with Ford if possible, JMHO.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Napa had a pretty solid all brass one and its what's in my dash iirc. Heavier than the ones at the 'other stores'. I wonder if the cheaper ones are like some sort of copper clad aluminum?


Either way, that dash job will take you about half the time now that its fresh in your mind.

 

[SHOstuff]

Thanks all for experience and ideas as its very much appreciated. The heater core I did get was aluminum and I got it from az not orielly like I thought. So it seems that the aluminum didn't last that long, just a some months and thats it.

 

[SHOtimer]

They cool thing about the Ford one is if it fails within 12 months, they cover the replacement - and labor at the dealer....

Doug

 

[SHOstuff]

Oh really?? Mmmm....and they carry the upgraded one also right?