Heater core replacement.

[chevrol8t]

Just replaced my heater core on my `00 Tahoe Yesterday and all I can say is that whomever I pissed off in my past life I am sorry!


Anyway I ran across this video last week showing a mechanic and how he did a heater core swap out that did not look like a disaster area vs other videos I seen. So I bought a replacement heater core (AC evap and blend door actuators (while I was in there) and got it all done in about 12hrs (it's the weekend I'm not racing anyone...

Anyway here is the link if it helps anyone. It did for me.

 

[Larryjb]

According to your video it appears that you must disconnect the AC evaporator to get to the heater core. Is there a way around this?

 

[chevrol8t]

According to your video it appears that you must disconnect the AC evaporator to get to the heater core. Is there a way around this?

That is a good question and I'm kicking myself for not seeing if it can be done. Since I was replacing the AC evap as well I did not check to see if it was feasible when I first took it apart.

 

[Larryjb]

Your video is one of the best I've seen so far, especially the help to find the hidden bolts behind the dash. I think I"d be tempted to pull the front seats as well, but at the age of 50, I'm getting less flexible. There's nothing like getting a major muscle cramp while under the dash of a car.

 

[OR VietVet]

The accumulator is disconnected from the evaporator. The evaporator is in the same housing as the heater core. You have to pull the case back to remove the heater core and the evaporator will pull back at the same time. It is also done for room with the lines the heater core pokes thru the firewall for the heater hoses. Lots of hidden bolts and screws and nuts.

 

[chevrol8t]

Your video is one of the best I've seen so far, especially the help to find the hidden bolts behind the dash. I think I"d be tempted to pull the front seats as well, but at the age of 50, I'm getting less flexible. There's nothing like getting a major muscle cramp while under the dash of a car.

I hear you. It was no fun that's for sure. Now I understand why repair centers charge so much...

 

[mijohnst]

I replaced mine about 6 weeks ago and that video (and much advice form this forum) got me through it. The guy did a great job in the process of showing how and what to do. I even sent him some money for beer through Google. I'm not a superhero like either of you guys because it took me about a week to do mine on and off after work and 2 weekends. I went slow and bagged and labeled everything as well as taking 300 pictures, which turn out to be invaluable. I wish I would have changed out those actuators now that you mention it though.

So congratz on getting it done!

 

[OR VietVet]

I replaced mine about 6 weeks ago and that video (and much advice form this forum) got me through it. The guy did a great job in the process of showing how and what to do. I even sent him some money for beer through Google. I'm not a superhero like either of you guys because it took me about a week to do mine on and off after work and 2 weekends. I went slow and bagged and labeled everything as well as taking 300 pictures, which turn out to be invaluable. I wish I would have changed out those actuators now that you mention it though.

So congratz on getting it done!

Mike is the resident work horse on the 2000-2006 years. Dedicated to the enth degree for sure.

 

[Larryjb]

I replaced mine about 6 weeks ago and that video (and much advice form this forum) got me through it. The guy did a great job in the process of showing how and what to do. I even sent him some money for beer through Google. I'm not a superhero like either of you guys because it took me about a week to do mine on and off after work and 2 weekends. I went slow and bagged and labeled everything as well as taking 300 pictures, which turn out to be invaluable. I wish I would have changed out those actuators now that you mention it though.

So congratz on getting it done!

Did you do the evaporator as well, or were you able to work around it and do the heater core only?

Sounds like a month job for me. I'm always 2x slower than the slowest!

 

[OR VietVet]

Slow and steady wins the race, unless you are in a shop and working on flat rate.