anyone ever replace the heater core?

[homeslice2284]

my heater core went out..was wondering how long it takes?is it easy?pain in the ass?

[Nevilleb]

It is a major pain in the ass. I bought a 12v ceramic heater/defroster, which mounts on top of the dash, and plugs into the lighter.

[dougand3]

Reading about in the Haynes manual....

"It requires removal of the COMPLETE instrument panel (not just the gauge cluster) and the entire heater assembly. If you decide to do it yourself, allow plenty of time."

If it took a shop 3 hours to remove, it'd take me 3 days.

[dann_04]

I know about the first generations(90 and before)
so if yours is a ninety this should help
do you have a high output heater core or just a normal one? A high output will be below your radio and climate control cluster in a black box. The other is behind the glove box and all you have to do is unhinge the glove box and remove whatever else is in the way. It is a real pain to do. Mine was the high output and it took over 3 hours and i was in a pool of coolant(drain your coolant before hand:P )

[butch100]

I changed mine out 2 yrs ago, it's a long process that took me
14 hrs. to complete. The entire dash has to come out as well
as the steering wheel ( you'll need a wheel puller for this,autozone
can loan you one for free) and most of the center console. Once
you actually reach the heater box it's easy to change out the core
itself, it's just getting to it!. Still, the shop price for the job was
375-425 price range for labor so it was worth it. You will definatly
need a haynes manuel for this, don't attempt it without one about
$11 at the parts store. Good luck and let us know how you made out

[homeslice2284]

how do you know whether its high output or normal?...im not sure...(1990 ford escort 1.9 liter/exp 4-116)

[bluemister2]

what year is it? I have an 86 and it was hard all the way through the process. you don't have to take off the steering wheel but you do have to take the whole dash and the radio, air vents, ashtray,the plastic moldings that hold the air vents and a few brackets. this is for first gen though. and definently drain the coolant first!

[barretire]

Originally Posted by homeslice2284

my heater core went out..was wondering how long it takes?is it easy?pain in the ass?

Not bad..just pull cover off below pass side dash

[TenaciousRD]

Heh, I did mine in about 8 hours. It was a major pain. Hardest part was getting the steering wheel off.