1986 K5 Blazer - Heater Core Removal

[Tom Lasco]

Yesterday, my heater core leaked fluid all over the interior on the passenger side with no prior problems or warnings. I am in the process of removing the heater core following directions provided in the Chevy Repair Manual. So far, so good until I got ready to remove the heater core housing. The manual talked about removing "Nuts from the three selector duct studs that project into the dash panel". The only thing I can find are what appear to be three rivets along the bottom (the heads are perfectly round, about 1/4" diameter and seem to hold the duct casing to the fire wall). It appears that the selector duct (actually it's a casing that covers the heater core) is fastened to the firewall with the three rivets. At least they look like rivets. They are not something you can get a wrench or socket on.

In summary, I can't figure out how to remove the casing that houses the heater core and I am thinking of just cutting a large hole in the plastic to expose the heater core. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for any suggestions...Tom from Germany.

[criticalbass]

Tom, it's been a while since I've done one of these, but I think you are going to find three hard-to-reach nuts on the engine side of the firewall.

As I recall, some really long 1/4" drive wobble extensions did the trick. This was an early 80's truck, so your Blazer may differ. Good luck. CB

[Tom Lasco]

Originally Posted by criticalbass

Tom, it's been a while since I've done one of these, but I think you are going to find three hard-to-reach nuts on the engine side of the firewall.

As I recall, some really long 1/4" drive wobble extensions did the trick. This was an early 80's truck, so your Blazer may differ. Good luck. CB

CB: Thanks for that. I was just in the garage checking out those nuts and I think I found them, but you're right, they are hard to reach. Someone has recommended removing the wheel-weill under the fender to get to the hard-to-reach ones. Thanks again for the info...Tom