HI All:

Attempting to replace the heater core after getting a 600.00 quote from the local garage. I have pulled the carpets back and taken the 4 screws off from the heater core housing. The problem I am having is I can't see what kind of screw holds the heater core flange to the housing where the two pipes plug into the housing. It's the screw right between the pipes. Any help here would be great. I also wonder what kind of tool is best to get at it because you cant use anything with a socket. Thanks.

Use a torx screwdriver, not a ratchet. I forgot if it is a T20 or T25.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Thanks Klaus:

I got out a MagLite and the flange screw does face the back of the car not the front as I thought. Got the screw out the pipes came free easy enough, but when I was pulling the core/holder out I hit the pipes and the plastic junction to the engine hoses cracked. I have to replace that now and all the clips and orings. I hope I can get the new junction part back in ok. Looks like some of it was behind the other hvac stuff on the firewall. It's an easy job if you only have to replace the core.

Because you need to replace the firewall connection, I suggest it is a great time to replace the engine side hoses as well. You will need to drain some of the coolant out of the system to lower the level, if you also do this.

Good luck, volvospeed has a good write up on the connection at the firewall.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Right.........the hoses were badly corroded. I have everything in a box now in the garage. I went to autozone and got 2.5 feet of 5/8" hose and did a bypass so I could keep driving the car till the coupler, hoses, and o-rings arrive. Looks like the article you suggested said to remove the gas pedal to make it easier to get the coupling in place. Oh well. I still saved over 300.00. Enough to buy 2 new carpets for the car.

thanks as always.

Forget that junction box...expensive and unnecessary. I ran the 5/8 to the metal tubes that come from the heater core...works great. What I did was: Set up about 1' of hose attached to the metal tubes...clamp nicely. From the inside, feed the hoses out the holes in the firewall (I retained the plate with the 2 holes in it)...affix the metal tubes to the heater core.
From the auto store, I picked up two, 5/8 heater hose connectors (Plastic tubes that fit inside the 5/8). Joint those to the hoses (which need to be custom cut) from the block... Job done!

Hello,


I think you screwed up by pulling the assembly out from the drivers side and not the safe passenger side.


Goatman