Hello Lads,

My heater core has been leaking slowly for a couple years. I don't use the heater
very often here in Florida, but last night it fogged up my windows, so its time.

Where is the best tutorial for the procedure? And best price for for the heater core and o-rings?

Do the rings ever fail and the core is good? (Just wondering)

Should I expect to encounter corroded unusable pipes on my '93 (132k miles)?

Thanks!

- thumbs

Just google '850 heater core replacement' and you will find lots of useful and not so useful data. More of the latter.

Do the O rings fail? Yes, but usually it is the core. If I were you, I would pull the kick panel off the driver's side and take a look under the core. If there is antifreeze dribbling toward the carpet, the rings could be compromised. Regardless, replace the rings when you repl the core.

Prices are from $50 - $350, check Ebay for some prices. If O rings are not included with the core, then the dealer will have some for $5.

Do you need new firewall to core pipes? You will not know until you remove the core. Corrosion depends on the type of antifreeze used, the cheap stuff will mess things up.

Remember to use a plastic garbage bag to catch the coolant in the pipes and core. About 1 pint total. If you do not drain the block, then you will need to clamp the hoses on the engine side of the firewall.

Removing the driver's side carpet from the car took me about 15-20 minutes, I expect 30 minutes to put it back in.

Remember, the coolant always flows through the radiator regardless of the heat position. So after the core is back in, take the car on a test run to get the engine up to operating temps, park it and check for leaks after the engine is off and the pressure are at their highest.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Klaus,

Thanks for the reply.

I just googled it a found a YouTube video for replacing a 1993-2000 850/70 heater core. It showed you had to remove it from the the passenger side. The video was well done, so all I need know is there.

I'll check out Ebay and look for a good deal. Try to find one with the O rings included.

Thanks again.

- thumbs

Both black panels have to come off. Removal can be from either side, most of us prefer the driver's side, easier to catch the antifreeze. Mine has a clutch cable, so the passengerside is a little easier...

Be careful removing the torx screw holding the tubes to the bottom of the core. You want to disturb the firewall tubes as little as possible.

The 850 does not require the removal of the glovebox. The 1998+ cars do, because the passenger kick panel screws are hidden by the glovebox - another dumb design.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Klaus,

Spotted a new heater core at Ebay for $38 with free shipping.

Gonna go for it. Thanks for the tips!

- thumbs