Re: 2000 Dodge Dakota SLT 4.7 heater core leak

From: Josh Battles (josh.lists@omg-stfu.com)
Date: Wed Mar 14 2007 - 08:16:41 EDT

On Sat, March 10, 2007 11:29 pm, Oneferret@aol.com wrote:
>
> Hi All
>
> So how much of a chore to remove a leaking heater core? Mine is apparently
> leaking and has begun a nasty fungus smell in the cab interior. Gotta fix it
> and de-odorize the cab.
>
> HELP
>
> I do have the FSM on disk for the truck.

The FSM should come in handy for you.

It's not really as bad as everyone's been telling you, it's just time
consuming. It's actually suprisingly easy once you get the A/C discharged
properly. The last time I did one (I've put 2 in my dak) it took me about 6
hours with hand tools taking my time.

You'll have to remove the steering column. It's easiest to do with the
column locked so that you don't have to worry about the clockspring. There
are two bolts that hold the column to the dash and one that connects it to
the rack. Then you'll want to undo any wiring that's connected from the dash
to the body (the bulkhead connector on the left floorboard) in addition to
the antenna lead for the radio and the airbag control module (center where
the dash meets the floor - there are some grounds in there too). Then, under
the dash on either side there are two large bolts that you need to loosten.
They're in some silvery metal tabs, you should know them when you see them.
After that, undo the 5 across the windshield and the dash should tilt back at
you. You can lift and pull and it'll come out. IIRC there are 4 bolts as
well as the 4 hose connections (2 for heat, 2 for A/C) that you need to
remove to pull the HVAC box out. You may want to order up an evap core to
replace while you're already in there. If yours is good then you can always
return it. Mine was pretty corroded so I replaced them both.

Don't get your replacement stuff from mopar, get it at Napa. The napa cores
are much thicker than the OE stuff. My HC is about 1.5 inches thick, once my
truck is at temp I can get 150 degree air out of the vents. 

-- 
- Josh
www.omg-stfu.com

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