Replacement Heater Core

[eacyde]

I am about to swap in my Black dash to replace the Mocha unit.

While I am in there, I was going to replace the heater core and probably the AC evaporator as well as the Blend door actuator.

Problem: My buddy at Ford tells me the parts are discontinued. I am now forced to go aftermarket.

I replaced a heater core in my S-10 with a NAPA unit and it only lasted a year and that one is easy to replace compared the SHO.

Is there a particular brand of Heater Core I should buy?
Do I need to replace the Evaporator?

Any insight is appreciated.

 

[SHOtimer]

I did that to my SHO about two years ago. I used a Ford heater core - i'm surprised that they are gone so soon. It is a common Tauri part - and Ford sold Millions of these cars.

Common sense aside (ie Ford)- I would want to physically look at the different heater cores from different manufacturer's to determine which one looked best.

I did not replace my evaporator - they usually arn't as big as a wear item as the heater core.

However, depending on the condition you may want to. All the air that comes out of your vents goes through the evaporator. I know many members have found the evaporator very dirty/clogged, and either cleaned it or replaced it.

Another thing to consider is the blower motor. You can only access it while the dash is out. It is very easy to swap while you're in there.

Doug

 

[sperold]

Maybe there is a pressure test you can perform on the parts you have.
It is a good idea to do the blend door actuator, but the other parts may be OK.

 

[eacyde]

Thanks for the tips. Does anybody know who made the cores for Ford? or did Ford actually build them.

I have taken 3 dashes out and each time gets easier, but it would such a pain to not replace the core and have it go soon after.

I am very leery of aftermarket cores based on previous experience.

 

[sperold]

You usually have trouble with the heater cores when a service technician manhandles the 2 spouts that enter the engine compartment... often when they replace those rubber hoses. I always cut them off with an exacto knife and install new ones, all the while being careful not to put a lot of strain on them.
Other than that, they have a fairly easy life.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

Just my 2 cents. A few years back I had to replace my AC evaporator and decided to do my heater core at the same time. 6 months later the heater was leaking. If you can find a ford heater core then I would replace it if not I would probably leave it unless it doesn't look good. Also my new aftermarket heater has been holding up ok so far though. I think it's a no win situation.

 

[jimtash]

I'd definitely look for a copper core over aluminum.

Pretty sure there are cores still around. Search with the part number instead. Many people make the mistake of thinking since a part is discontinued, it's no longer available. Yet when I browse Ebay, I can find everything from OEM SARC struts for my '98 to brand new interior components for my '89.

 

[eacyde]

I'd definitely look for a copper core over aluminum.

Pretty sure there are cores still around. Search with the part number instead. Many people make the mistake of thinking since a part is discontinued, it's no longer available. Yet when I browse Ebay, I can find everything from OEM SARC struts for my '98 to brand new interior components for my '89.

Thanks for the part number tip. My Ford dealer has 2 left at their vintage warehouse. New Old Stock.

 

[jimtash]

What's the part number?

 

[eacyde]

What's the part number?

Ford Part number E9DH18476AA. It fits Sables, Taurus' and Lincoln's

 

[jimtash]

Not getting any for that number but Ford changed it to E9DZ18476A.

Partsvoice shows two dealers each of them with 24 in stock. Another has 32.

Always remember that Ford changed their numbers and even though the old number might show up as out of stock, their new numbers usually don't.