Heater core leaks

[caldonia]

hey guys

I have got a leak in my heater core. I have looped the hose back into the engine for now.
The radiator place said I have to get the core out and then they will fix it.
They will not remove the core.
Fair enough I suppose its a day job I hear.

Has anyone got any ideas (Hint or tips) when getting the core out and any thing else i should do while I have got the dash out.

Is it possible to install an electric under dash heater instead?

thanks

[Pub247]

Mmm i not sure if theres anything else to look for by the way is the sle this info is on? I have to admit my heater is awesome like factory i'd say its soo toasty hot in 5mins i have to wind the window down slightly to let some heat out. I dont see the need to replace it.
Make sure you get a quote before they fix it they might charge an arm and a leg to fix. You could gety one pretty cheap at a wrecker

[vkberlina]

Best way to replace the heater core is to buy a new one dont get it recored. places like Bursons, repco, maybe even holden will sell at least after market ones.
Its a complete dash out job to fix about 5 hours work in and out if you know your stuff.
When I did my VK I pulled the evaporator completely appart and cleaned it out, plus I had all the dash appart anyway so it didnt matter.

When I did my VR I pulled the drivers side lower dash appart, knocked out the clutch pedal, for easy removal I cut the pipes off the dead heater core and slid it out. Next I wiggled & twisted the new one into place and in it went. All up it took me 1h45min to do the one in my VR I couldnt believe how quick it went.

either way its a prick of a job
cheers
Scott

[DANNY8]

When we pulled one out of a VK we had to pull most of the dash apart......and the new VH we're getting has the dash on the back seat coz it's at a wreckers and someone wanted the heater core out of it haha.

It isn't really a day job tho. When we pulled the VK dash apart it took bout an hour to have it all out and all the piping and hoses behind it as well.

Apparently they're actually not that cheap to buy second hand (maybe the labor cost of pullng the dash out is why?? lol). I heard from someone that I should keep all mine coz it's pretty rare to find a cheap one. But not actually sure how much they're worth. If u want a second hand one tho, let me know and I'll find out a price and pull one out of one of my wrecks if u want it.

[Pub247]

lol i remember when i was wrecking my old calais i guy rang up and asked for the heater core i said he could have it for 20 if he took it out himself. Suffice to say he never rang back must have knew how hard it was

[Dan355]

I honestly dont think its that hard at all. If yourv pulled out the lower section of dash before is a piss over. Only should take you a couple of hours and persistance. I bought mine new as all second hand cores were rooted and wrecker wanted inflated prices for peices of crap. Might aswell fork out the extra $50 for a new core.