Heater core question

[PuckHead]

It's time to replace my heater core and after searching for a decent price on a replacement, I've come to the conclusion that I don't know which one to get. I've found cores that vary in price from $23-$65, and vary in material from aluminum to copper or brass.

My question to the all-knowing, all-powerful SHO gods is this:

Which one do I need? shrug

All opinions are welcomed!!!

BTW, does anyone have a current Rock Auto or carparts.com coupon code?

Later!

 

[olympic]

When I replaced the core in my Sable, they asked for the actual build date of the car because Ford switched around so much. I'm not sure which material is best though. I paid about $40US for mine. Considering the labor involved, it's worth it to get the best one you can.

Here's a tip: the Chiltons manual says you have to strip the wiring harness out of the dash and remove the entire dash from the car. I managed to save some work by only disconnecting the wiring that goes from the dash to the passenger side kick panel and then swinging the right side of the dash back onto the passenger seat. That gave me enough room to get in there and pull the heater box off the firewall.

Also, the a/c lines can be a real pain to disconnect. If you force them, you'll bend the inlets on the a/c core and ruin it. If your having the system professionally evacuated, it may be worth it to let them disconnect the lines as well. Good luck! It took me about 12 hours over a weekend to do it.

 

[PuckHead]

Thanks for the info Bryce. I do want it to last, so I won't go 'cheap'. I found a reputable automotive heating and cooling guru near my town that will do the install for $125, and he said he'll need the car for ~6 hours. Not a bad deal in my eyes.

Starting to get colder out, and on the rare occasion that I have to turn on the heat, the sweet smell is starting to get bad. Gotta fix it SOON! lol.

Later!

 

[projectSHO89]

If you can get that "guru" to put that in writing, do so!

That would be the bargain of the year.

Either he is extraordinarily efficient and skilled, or he doesn't know what he is getting into.

Before you commit to replacing the core, make darned sure that you (or that "guru") has 100% identified the core as the source of the leak. The hose connections at the firewall can spray coolant through the firewall opening and mimic the symptom of a leaking core.

Steve


Steve