heater core replacement

[HudsonHawk]

I am fairly certain the coolant leak is in the heater core. How much of a pita is it to change the core. It looks you have to remove the entire dash to do it.

[trickyrix]

Calling cam76034... he just took his out of Miata #3. There's a trick way to do it where you don't have to yank the dash.

[Miatamaniac92]

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...ghlight=heater

Chris

[cam76034]

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...ghlight=heater

Chris

What he said. I would add to be double sure when you are cutting the tube under the dash that you cut the right one. The way they twist around each other makes it easy cut the one you really shouldn't be cutting.

I actually got sidetracked on this project and have been waiting for a good day to finish it.

[trickyrix]

Last night I caught another faint whiff of coolant on the way home with the heat on. Nothing's wet in the floor, and it went away after a few minutes, but I think I'm next in line for a heater core.

[creek]

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...ghlight=heater

Chris

I quit reading when it said put your head on the floor and look up.

[HudsonHawk]

Given my stature I am not certain I would have enough room to do that. The dash removal would probalby be easier.

[cam76034]

Given my stature I am not certain I would have enough room to do that. The dash removal would probalby be easier.

So get a little guy to do it for ya! Anybody under 6'2" can do it.

[HudsonHawk]

So get a little guy to do it for ya! Anybody under 6'2" can do it.

Its not the height I am worried about.

[Radio-Active]

Its not the height I am worried about.

Pull out the seat.

[black roadster]

Pulling a dash isn't as hard as people make it out to be. I'd rather do that than my clutch.

[trackdog]

You do not need to remove the dash. Also if you want to make it easier install the 99-05 core, it has removeable pipes. It does extend out about a 1/2" more so you don't put the plastic cover back on. The old unit you can cut the tubes at the core and pull it right out. I do have a 99-05 heater core I will sell for $100.

Gary

[HudsonHawk]

You do not need to remove the dash. Also if you want to make it easier install the 99-05 core, it has removeable pipes. It does extend out about a 1/2" more so you don't put the plastic cover back on. The old unit you can cut the tubes at the core and pull it right out. I do have a 99-05 heater core I will sell for $100.

Gary

Thanks for the offer and that is good information. Unfortunately it came a bit late. I picked up a replacement core earlier today.

[farphle]

Add me to the list of folks needing to replace the heater core. I have one standing by and I'm waiting for a nice day to put it in. Ugh.

[trackdog]

Take it back and go the easy route I mentioned plus save a bunch of money. Last I priced a new core it was $275, ouch!

Gary

[farphle]

I ended up picking one up (from a 97) at Mazda Heaven for cheap. They even included the the entire piece the core goes into. All I have to do is cut one pipe. If I had access to a bead roller I could even put the beads on the freshly cut pipe. Got one of those?

[bnordin]

Take it back and go the easy route I mentioned plus save a bunch of money. Last I priced a new core it was $275, ouch!

Gary

Gary,
I'll take the core for my 90.

[mk2tmr2]

Last night I caught another faint whiff of coolant on the way home with the heat on. Nothing's wet in the floor, and it went away after a few minutes, but I think I'm next in line for a heater core.

I've been getting random faint whiffs of coolant for almost 2 years now. Turns out I've got a very tiny leak somewhere in my radiator and when things get hot enough a drip here and there will burn off and send the scent in through the vents.

I probably shouldn't be running a stock radiator anyway....

[trackdog]

I might know where you can get one.....

Gary