Heater Core

[Bernie]

Has anyone changed out the heater core in their early Bronco? I believe mine has a minor leak as the bottom of the heater core has some moisture present. Do you have to pull the entire heater assembly out of the vehicle in order to swap out a new core? Also the repair manual says to drain the coolant out before pulling the heater. Can you instead clamp off the heater hoses to avoid draining the system? Or does this cause some sort of "air bubble" in the system?

Thanks for any input.

Bernie

 

[S_bolt19]

An air bubble will work its way out the first time that you start it back up because your radiatior has an overflow port on it. So the air bubble isn't a big deal. You can kink it off, but you would be smart to drain it down at least until it gets below the level of the core. And yeah, you gotta pull the entire heater box to get that core out. It really isn't that hard. The hardest part is going to be disconnecting/reconnecting the controls. I think there are 4 bolts that hold that whole assembly to the fire wall, so it is pretty simple. I would give yourself a day to do it, but realistically, you could have it done in about 2-3 hours.

 

[Bernie]

Has anyone changed out the heater core in their early Bronco? I believe mine has a minor leak as the bottom of the heater core has some moisture present. Do you have to pull the entire heater assembly out of the vehicle in order to swap out a new core? Also the repair manual says to drain the coolant out before pulling the heater. Can you instead clamp off the heater hoses to avoid draining the system? Or does this cause some sort of "air bubble" in the system?Thanks for any input.

Bernie

Thanks S bolt 19. I pretty much assumed that I would have to pull the entire heater out to do the core replacement. However, I was hoping I could clamp off the hoses and avoid draining the system. I'll hold off for awhile and see if I hear from any other Bronco brothers that might have tried this.

Beach Bronco Bernie

 

[TX '73]

Don't forget a seal kit for you new core and the heater box. It's worth it to get one and install it while you have it out. I wouldn't by a core from an aftermarket place like jeffs or wildhorses but the seal kit you gotta get from them. The core at auto zone is just as good and about half price. My heater box was not easy to get in and out but hopefully yours is. I didn't drain anything. When you remove the hoses at the firewall, just make them point upwards when you get them loose. Gravity will keep the fluid in the hose. Sure you'll spill a little, no big deal just add as necessary when your reinstalled. Take your ducts loose from the box before removing your box too, that way you don't pull them from their location, it can be a pain relocating them because their aint a great deal of room behind the dash. Good luck...

 

[76Explorer]

It's also a good time to stick the vacuum cleaner hose in the passenger side vent and clean out the leaves and pine straw.

 

[Bernie]

It's also a good time to stick the vacuum cleaner hose in the passenger side vent and clean out the leaves and pine straw.

Thanks folks, good suggestions!

Beach Bronco Bernie

 

[rodsteal]

I just did this a month ago. I thought it would take all day but it only took about 3 hours from start to finish. Thats with spary painting the blower motor and heater box. My previous owner by-past the heater core when he replaced the motor and never went back, so I was sure I had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop and they did a pressure test and I didn

 

[Yardape]

I just did this a month ago. I thought it would take all day but it only took about 3 hours from start to finish. Thats with spary painting the blower motor and heater box. My previous owner by-past the heater core when he replaced the motor and never went back, so I was sure I had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop and they did a pressure test and I didn

 

[Bernie]

I just did this a month ago. I thought it would take all day but it only took about 3 hours from start to finish. Thats with spary painting the blower motor and heater box. My previous owner by-past the heater core when he replaced the motor and never went back, so I was sure I had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop and they did a pressure test and I didn