Write-Up: Changing Heater Core

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Wed Jun 08, 2011 6:59 pm

Bawb2u wrote:: Having cooling problems, non-blend door related, just losing charge slowly. I had the system charged with the UV dye but the shop had to order a new bulb, so I'm waiting for the leak test results and figured I'd get pro-active. I looked all around the compressor and all the visible lines and don't see anything that looks like a leak, so I was wondering if evaporator and condensers have a history of going south and if they are easily available and accessible.

Oh, yeah. 96 3.8 SC 114,000 mi, owned for 9 years.

The condenser will look like a radiator, and be in front of the radiator. The evaporator will be out of sight, inside the heater case or possibly inside the car, not sure on our Rivieras.

_________________
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Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:58 pm

You need to remove the entire dashboard and then the heater case in order to replace the EVAP core.......if you can't do it, be prepared to pay a mechanic 6 hours plus an extra 1.4 to recharge the system......

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:58 pm

Abaddon wrote:: You need to remove the entire dashboard and then the heater case in order to replace the EVAP core.......if you can't do it, be prepared to pay a mechanic 6 hours plus an extra 1.4 to recharge the system......

That's about what I figured. I'm not particularly mechanical but I've got more time than money, so........

I don't suppose anybodies done a writeup on this have they? Or at least tips on pulling the dash?

EDIT: I found and read this, a previous post of yours and am not intending to attempt this procedure. I've resorted to crossing my fingers and hoping it's something else.

"I've never had to do one on a Riviera, but I've done many heater cores on other vehicles. 90% of the time, the IP needs to come out. I've tried to "cheat", but end up removing the IP anyway......

-Disconnect Negative battery cable
-Disable Airbag system
-Discharge A/C system
-Drain Cooling system
-Remove heater hoses from Heater Core.
-Remove A/C lines from the Evaporator
-Remove Instrument Panel (which has another page of steps)
-Remove defroster duct
-Remove connector duct from case to floor
-Remove side window ducts
-Remove passenger Airbag
-Remove PCM and bracket
-Remove A/C heater unit electrical connectors
-Remove right center IP mounting bracket
-Remove Heater and Evaporator Core Assembly
-Reverse to install

If you need I'll post how to remove the IP... the "other" page."

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:06 am

Well great! Was headed about 50 miles away only to start smelling coolant. Stopped and looked in my resevoir, bone dry. The radiator was still full. Didn't see any noticeable leaks so I went and looked at the passenger floor board. Sure enough, soaking wet!

My guess is heater core. If it was a hose it would be on the engine side, correct? Of course no local shops stock this part.

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:39 am

Oh boy. On the bright side, you'll soon become much more familiar with how the dash board is put together. That's a job, but it's starting to get cool, so if you need heat...

New core is available through GM parts direct: 1997/Buick/Riviera/HVAC/Heater/Heater Core: $182.18

Not too bad. There are cheaper versions at Rockauto for $40-50, but I wouldn't risk it for such an install. Just buy the AC Delco part and do the job right.

_________________
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'98 SC Riviera • 281k miles • 298 HP/370 TQ • 0-60: 5.79s • ET: 13.97 @ 99.28 • 4087 lb • 20.1 avg MPG • Nelson Ledges Lap: 1:30
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Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:44 am

Judging from Eldo's edit, it shouldn't be TOO bad of a job. I do know how tedious it can be removing those stubborn clamps though.

It appears the center console should come out for easier removal, but the dash doesn't need to be removed. Not the way I wanted to spend my extra days off, but it beats having it happen while heading to work! Fortunately I JUST replaced my tool set Friday which was stolen about a month ago.

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Mon Sep 19, 2011 2:01 pm

Hey manofmany, I know this job is gonna be a pain the butt, but do 'ya think you could document the repair with some pics!

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:31 pm

I'll see what I can do. I'm going to start it tonight and while I'm at it, I'm FINALLY going to tackle the LIM gasket. Just picked up all the parts. Hopefully I can finish everything up by tomorrow night. Gives me 3 hours tonight and about 7 more tomorrow.

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:00 pm

BMD, sorry I gave up. I cannot get to the hoses on the firewall. $150 spent for replacement is not worth my time or frustration.

Subject: Re: Write-Up: Changing Heater Core Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:36 pm

I can understand man, no worries.

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