Heater Core Replacement

Status
Not open for further replies.

81Cutty

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Feb 11, 2009
24
0
0
Washington State
I need to replace the heater core on my Cutlass. One of the pipes broke. It's got A/C and I need to know what would be the easiest way to remove it and throw a new one back in.

We're not exactly sure if that is the cause of all the antifreeze going everywhere near the left back corner of the engine, but it's broken now and it might not be the main issue, but it needs to be fixed before we can find the real issue. It doesn't look like the antifreeze is coming from the head or anywhere down that low, it looks like it might be coming from a hose going to/from the heater core, but we need to get some light up in there to fully check that out. Anyone have any other suggestions?

It happened this morning (which was pretty cold, probably a bit below freezing) and I turned on the defrost and it was barely working. I then smelled kind of a light burning smell then once I got where I was going I noticed a strong stream of smoke pouring from the passenger side of the engine. I didn't notice any antifreeze all over like it is now. I went home (not far away) as quickly as I could after the day was over and it just kept constantly pouring smoke out. I got home and popped the hood and antifreeze was all over everything on the left side of the engine.

Thanks. 😀
 
81Cutty said:
I need to replace the heater core on my Cutlass. One of the pipes broke. It's got A/C and I need to know what would be the easiest way to remove it and throw a new one back in.

We're not exactly sure if that is the cause of all the antifreeze going everywhere near the left back corner of the engine, but it's broken now and it might not be the main issue, but it needs to be fixed before we can find the real issue. It doesn't look like the antifreeze is coming from the head or anywhere down that low, it looks like it might be coming from a hose going to/from the heater core, but we need to get some light up in there to fully check that out. Anyone have any other suggestions?

It happened this morning (which was pretty cold, probably a bit below freezing) and I turned on the defrost and it was barely working. I then smelled kind of a light burning smell then once I got where I was going I noticed a strong stream of smoke pouring from the passenger side of the engine. I didn't notice any antifreeze all over like it is now. I went home (not far away) as quickly as I could after the day was over and it just kept constantly pouring smoke out. I got home and popped the hood and antifreeze was all over everything on the left side of the engine.

Thanks. 😀

The more likely problem is that the heater control valve has gone bad. They start leaking, resulting in antifreeze on the back of the intake manifold. If you do need to change the heater core, you do it from the engine side of the firewall.
 
We got it all done. The cover was a pain, kind of broke in a few spots but we just used some silicone to put it back together and seal it up. Seems like the left pipe on the heater core some how bent down and broke and was shooting antifreeze out. It was pretty corroded so it probably was really weak. Got a new one, swapped out a hose with a new one that was a bit worn out and now it works good. Just have a tiny bit of smoke from whatever antifreeze is left on everything.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor