Heater core

[packen]

93 Grand AM SE 2.3 SOHC
I am in the process of replacing the heater core on this car. Anybody have any tips, advice, or what ever? I am at the point now where I need to remove the screw all the way in the back, in the middle, at the bottom of the heater core cover. I have no idea how to get to this screw. I can't get a wrench on it.

[xeroinfinity]

Sometime you cant reach that bottom one at all.

I usually end up breaking the plastic around it
Then remember to use plenty of RTV sealant on the housing when you reassemble it.

[skibum1111]

Thats what I did on my 95. What I have found that will work is if you have a small bit and a pair of vise grips you can get the screw out, it just takes time and alot of patience.

[xeroinfinity]

Ya skii I made a little tool with a 1/4" socket welded to the end.
So bits fit right into it and you can use it in tight places.

[packen]

Well I finally got all the bolts out but still ended up breaking it to get the old core out. The problem now is, in order to get the new core in, I need to take the cover out completely because the pipes will not go through the firewall because of the plactic core cover. I can't get it out. There are no more screws left to take out. I have pulled, pryed, cussed, but I can't get it to come out. What am I missing?? It acts like there is something holding it in one place to the firewall but there is nothing there. I have already broken this thing 3 times now, and still got nowhere. I am going to have a hard time pieceing it back together.
Does anybody have a clue how to get this thing out??
Thanks.

[xeroinfinity]

Are you certan that all the blots were out?
Thier are some on the top part too....

I dont see how you got the old core out, well I guess that might be why the cover broke. Duct tape on the outside of the box w/ silicone sealer might fix the cracks.

Or you might be able to pick up a used cover from a salvage yard for cheap. Just hope they dont want you to remove it

I had a 93' GA and I dont remember it being that difficult to remove the cover or the heater core....

Here is a link, I should have given you this in the first place :banghead
it might help you figure it out.

[packen]

All the bolts are out. It seems to be stuck at the firewall. I even removed a couple of screws from the engine compartment but I can see now that I didn't need to. I saw the autozone guide, they make it look easy, and I have a Haynes manual, which shows an exploded view on the whole setup. I can't figure out what is holding it.

[xeroinfinity]

the factory uses some pretty tough sealant on that lid.
Thats probly whats holding it on.

Try and pry around the edge of the lid maybe that'll pop it loose.