Heater core removal???

ALright I have a '90 T-bird and I can't seem to figure out how to get the heater core out. I can see it but I don't know how to get the box loose that contains it. If anyone has any pictures or information or even if you can just tell me how the hell to remove it, it will be great. Thanks

Go to your local libray and ask for the Motor's repair manual for your year car. You can photocopy the info that you need. The book I have says you have to remove the complete heater assembly from the car before you can remove the heater core from the assembly. The heater core access panel is held in place by four screws.

You have to pull the dash out. It isn't that difficult once you've done it once and the first time will probably take you close to 10 hours for removal. Like I said, once you've done it, it's easy, and you can have it out and back in with the new core in about 6 hours total. Good luck.

Changing the heater core is absolutly horrible. Heres a pic of my heater core installation.

http://www.rankmyride.com/data//4/e/10136//.large/messedinterior.jpg

If your real good you don't have to pull the dash, but you do have to pull most of the passenger side out and or down. It aint no cake walk I wouldn't plan anything for at least half a day to get this done.

I keep getting a residue buildup on the inside/passenger side of my front windshield. I had a blown coolant hose not too long ago (11 o'clock position on the pump), and think this is about when the stuff got on my windshield. Since this residue is on the inside of the glass, does this mean my heater core is messed up? I don't seem to be having anymore problems since fixing the hose, but don't want to have something bad happen due to neglect. Also, the heater never seems to fully shut off. I still hear a faint hissing after I turn the heater off.

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I'm changing the water pump as soon as I get enough cash. $50 new Bosch at pep boys.

Mike75, You may not have a heater core issue. It is possible that coolant was sucked into the outside air ducting and you are getting the residue from there. The faint hissing, not sure what to tell you there, maybe a vacuum line is disconnected or has a hole in it.

Thanks man, I think that's comforting.

I agree its not necessarily the heater core and the hissing doesn't seem like the heater.

Any suggestions since the hissing seems to be coming from the heater/AC vents?

It also may be important to note that when I have my AC on, it stops blowing cold air during acceleration. When I let off the gas, however, the cold air resumes. There is always air blowing out, it's just the temp that changes upon acceleration.

Thanks guys, you are lifesavers!

Hard accel or normal accel?

Normal to even 'light' acceleration. It does it whenever I give it gas.

You've been mighty busy on these forums today, haven't you? Hehe, it's appreciated!

I have a 91. I called around to different radiator shops until I found someone that has done a few and didn't want the usual $600. It was Wyandotte radiator, in Wyandotte Michigan (in case you live close) . They did a great job and it was $305 out the door ! About half of what most places wanted.
Just keep calling and ask if they are familar with the process and if they know the short cuts. You'll find the honest guy you are looking for, it isn't easy to find him though. there are many , many shops that just charge the "book" price.
Good luck.
Dan
Normal to even 'light' acceleration. It does it whenever I give it gas.

You've been mighty busy on these forums today, haven't you? Hehe, it's appreciated!

Thanks man, I'm just not sure I'm following you. *you quoted me, so I'm assuming that your message was intended for me* So, are you saying that you had this problem and got it fixed for $300, or were you addressing heater core replacement?

Normal to even 'light' acceleration. It does it whenever I give it gas.

You've been mighty busy on these forums today, haven't you? Hehe, it's appreciated!


Sorry it's been so long, been a busy week. Couple things that come to mind, just not sure how to pinpoint your issue. First, under wide open throttle, the a/c is supposed to kick off to allow max power, but that doesn't seem likely considering the above quote. Second, the blend air door allows hot, cool, or a mix of both to give you the air temp you select. The head unit is contolled by electronics and vacuum from the engine. Seems like you have a vacuum leak under the dash somewhere. There are 3 types of vacuum for an engine. Port, manifold, and venturi. Each changes due to idle or acceleration and directly affects the heater control head units operation.