New heater core

[rusty6]

No, not on a tractor, but my 81 GMC pickup. I've owned the truck since 1986 so I've already replaced the heater core a time or two. Did the latest one this past weekend. Believe me we need the heater with the unseasonably cold temperatures here in Sask. lately. Down in the teens last night and the ice barely melted today in the sun. Still nothing fit to combine or I'd have needed ether to start the diesels. Maybe next week.
For now here is some random video shots of me pretending I know what I'm doing installing the heater core.
GMC Heater Core

 

[Steve@Advance]

Yep, those were a common failure back in the day.

I don't recall having to take anything off the outside except the heater hoses and nuts on the studs, one of which was covered by the fender well.

All the rest was inside. Lots of working by feel, but every one got easier.

 

[Mike in Mn.]

I see that pickup has an Oldsmobile engine in it, is that common in Canada?

 

[old]

So why do the cores go bad?? I have had a 1980 Chevy pickup for 10 plus years and NEVER had to replace the heater core. Not the right mix of antifreeze or what??

 

[rusty6]

(quoted from post at 20:26:24 10/10/18) I see that pickup has an Oldsmobile engine in it, is that common in Canada?

Good eye there Mike. If you remember GM put their Oldsmobile 350 diesel in some of these trucks and they did not turn out to be very durable. Heads were leaking bad when I bought this one used in 86 so I got a 403 Olds engine from a wrecker. It bolted right in with no mods needed. Excellent engine!

 

[rusty6]

(quoted from post at 20:58:01 10/10/18) So why do the cores go bad?? I have had a 1980 Chevy pickup for 10 plus years and NEVER had to replace the heater core. Not the right mix of antifreeze or what??

I run a good mix of anti freeze but seems like if I keep a vehicle long enough I can figure on replacing the heater core at least once due to leakage. I think its at least the third one in this truck. Same on the radiator.

 

[Lou from Wis.]

Been changing heater core's for some years,not a delightful experience.Right now the whole radiator went south on our Bob Cat.Repair man ordered new core so next week we should be back running again.I put a new heater in our 706 and boy was that an easy install.If ever we have to replace truck heater core original again, it will be an add on in our trucks like the one in the 706. Regards Lou & Victor.

 

[Bruce from Can.]

GM pickups seemed to last long enough in Ontario to need one heater core replacement. Doesn?t take much of an antifreeze leak to stink the truck can out. Very few of the square bodies left on the road here, most rotted away from road salt. How many gas tanks have you had on that truck? Here in Ontario, you could figure on a new gas tank every five years. I drove an 85 Dodge, while my Dad and brothers all had GM trucks. My Dodge never needed a heater core, or a gas tank, gas tank was plastic

 

[1948jr]

is it a big job to replace a heater core on a 98 ford pickup

 

[Harold Hubbard]

Try replacing one in a Volvo 740 sedan. The local Volvo expert says it?s an all day job, and he hates it.

Since I am going to drive this one until it drops, I am thinking I will cut a hole in the firewall and take it out that way.

 

[Steve@Advance]

1948jr, I can't remember doing one on a 98 Ford.

That either means I haven't, or it was not bad enough to be memorable!

Might look on Youtube, probably walk you right through it.

 

[Steve@Advance]

old, I suspect it was replaced before you got it.

All the GM pickups from 73-87 had heater core leakage problems.

Poor quality core is all I can blame it on. The aftermarket cores were usually better than the factory.

 

[Sean Feeney]

Pontiac Solstice 80's ford t bird all day job

 

[RedMF40]

My car had a drip drip drip from the engine side of the heater core. Shop I used to use told me there was a little dimple in the stub coming through the firewall, hose couldn’t get a good grip on it no matter how tight the hose clamp. $850 to pull the dash and replace the core. No, thanks.

Still the drip drip drip. I went to my two friends JB weld steel and hardener, mixed them up and smoothed out the dimple. Let it cure good long time. Treated myself to new heater hoses as well, and another pack of JB Weld. No leaks. That was about ten years ago. For repairs such as this, that stuff is outstanding.

 

[Clarence Slydell]

(quoted from post at 08:07:21 10/11/18) is it a big job to replace a heater core on a 98 ford pickup

Should keep you entertained for an hour or so maybe.

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/interior-electrical/1611-97-03-ford-f-150-heater-core-replacement/

 

[TomA in CA]

'94 Mazda, Ford Ranger had a removable plate to change heater core, piece of cake. Why can't they all be like that?

 

[Pops1532]

Sometimes the cores are just poor quality but bad water can be a factor. I've read from several sources that distilled water is best.

 

[dhermesc]

Its a huge job on a 1998 Ford. I had one replaced on a 1997 - found a shop that would do it for $450 or so and was glad to pay them. Heater core replacement requires the steering column be removed and the entire dash be unbolted and set on the seat. The dealership charge is over $1100.

 

[rusty6]

Bruce, I've still got both original gas tanks in this 81 but the right side tank has not been used in probably ten years as I could not keep the switch working on it.
Re: anti freeze, I've never used anything other than soft (rain) water to mix with the anti freeze.
Its true, there are not a lot of the square body trucks left on the road here either. I've been pretty careful trying to keep this one clean so it does not rust right through but its showing up over the wheels and lower box.
I can live fine without working AC in a vehicle but if I want to drive in winter I've got to have a working heater.
Startup at 22 Below

 

[Bud Sather in MT]

Not a fun job on a dodge pickup. The dash need to be laid back and mostly removed. I took a short cut. To get the old core out I cut the tubes off of the core and picked it straight up and out. I did the same with the new one then run the hoses through the front of the cab and hooked them up. Been 2 years and no leaks. You should have seen the look on a mechanic face when I told him what I did. At least I got it done and I am warm. Bud