Heater core replacement ! OMG !!

[VileZambonie]

vile i have heard mixed opinions with electrolysis and dex. i take it you believe there is a problem there? i know my 04 impala hasnt leaked yet but it only has 70k i know there are some impalas that do leak. its almost like there is a 50% chance of them leaking. then gm and their intake problem some linked that to the dex cool others said it was just bad design. but if other companies are having the same problem and the only thing linked is the coolant. but whats the currant mechanics rate 90$/hr thats over 1k in labor then thats not the price of the core. just to replace the core

Electrolysis is no myth. I've posted on here before with all of the details if you search it but you can easily check for it with a volt meter. It's part of my safety check list I created so every student who performs a safety check must also check for electrolysis.

[Jason S]

A few anecdotal stories to cheer you up:

One of my buddies has a 2001 Dodge 3500, he replaced the dash with a new dash (they're notorious for cracking).  The whole dash assembly has to come apart to replace the upper piece. Several months after replacing the dash the heater core went out!  So everything comes back out again...

Another buddy has a 2000 Dodge 3500 he uses to pull his race cars.  For whatever reason he chose to use hose clamps at the connection under the dash.  Bolted everything back together, started it and found he had forgot to tighten the hose clamps!

I helped a friend this summer with a 2003 F-150, I told him we could replace the heater core, but it would take at least a full day to do the job. He didn't have the money or time to replace the heater core, plus it was summer.   So I helped him bypass the heater core, well it's now getting time for a heater...  The other day I half jokingly suggested he buy one of those hot-rod heater setups and forget about the in dash heater (I was only half joking). 

[Toolmaster]

Well just to let yawl know !  I now have a new style heater core. Only problem is I have no new connectors to go with it. The AC Delco man said that the new core had the complete kit in the box, After looking in 2 of the box's and finding no connectors, they told me the connectors would have to come from the dealer. And the dealer don't stock them !!!!     

[Captkaos]

I love my old trucks! LOL

[Toolmaster]

Lets hope the 2011 1500's are not like this !! If I had known this 2 weeks ago I might have gone with another brand.

[Jason S]

I think that whether Dodge, Chevy, GMC or Ford; one is probably doomed to an impossibly difficult when it comes to replacing a heater core.

[Jason S]

I would really like to know how much time was involved.

[Toolmaster]

I got just over 8 hrs in it now and I haven't started re-assembling yet. Still waiting for parts.

[VileZambonie]

So if you are a flat rate tech this is a 6 hour job. You're already working for free lol. Do you have pics of the connections at the core or the core inlet/outlet tubes?

[VileZambonie]

Dorman to the rescue

Click Here

[Toolmaster]

Flat Rate !!!  HAHAHAHAHHA  The dealer said it was a 12-13 hr job.  The old core had one small fitting and one large. The new core has both tubes the same size. The old fittings were like you posted. However the new fittings have a wire that slides into the fitting to hold it in place. I will take some photos when I go back out to the shop. I have a diabetes class tomorrow, so it will be Friday before I get started putting it back in. 

[VileZambonie]

Are you ready for this?

Labor                 Skill Level           Mfg.Warranty             Standard
Heater Core
   Replace               B                          4.0                         5.9

        Does Not Include: Refrigerant Recovery Or Evacuate & Recharge AC System. 
 
So 5.9 hours plus 1.4 to service the AC
4 hours warranty time!

[Toolmaster]

I'm sure if I had the proper instructions I could have been quicker with it. I have those now thanks to you !!!!!  I feel it will go back together much quicker.  I never worked for flat rate and never will.

Thanks again Vile !!! 

[beastie_3]

Lets hope the 2011 1500's are not like this !! If I had known this 2 weeks ago I might have gone with another brand.

X2..except the other brand part

[69byrd]

After seeing this I dont think I will buy a colorado!!