CoolingDiscuss all of the aspects of cooling that you can think of! Radiators, transmissions, electric fans, etc.
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How's it going guys! I'm going to take a stab at replacing the leaky heater core in my 88 Iroc. I called the local chevy parts dept, and they don't carry those anymore. I called up Pep Boys and they've got one made by Spectra for under $40, has anyone installed one from this brand in there car before? Or can anyone recommend a brand they know is good? I appreciate the help!
Go to www.acdelco.com, look for a parts dealer that sells belts and hoses. Call them and see if they can get you the original AC Delco heater core. Mine cost something like $39.00. It was about the same price as gmpartsdirect.com but I was able to pick it up locally with no shipping costs. While I was there, I got replacement belts, hoses, power antennae repair kit, etc.
Okay, so I go to start working on replacing the heater core in the Iroc. I look under the front end and there's a small puddle of coolant. I pop my hood and and see my radiator is leaking all of a sudden. Atleast it showed up now while I was already gonna drain it for the heater core swap and not after. I removed most of the bolts that hold in the dash so I could get to the heater core easier. Once I was ready to pull out the heater core, the hose that goes from the heater core to the return between the firewall and engine wouldn't come off. I was sitting on the engine yanking with all my might, and it wouldn't budge. So I did what I had to do, and cut it. Replacing that hose is where I stopped last nite, it's a mother to get the hose clamp on that hose being squished between the block and firewall. If I had more tools I think I can get it, but man was I beat yesterday. It if wasn't for that hose I'd be driving it today, it'll have to wait a few more days til I can get back on it.
I found it easier to access the area by removing the rear TPI cover from over the distributor cap. I even had to remove the cap to get one hose clamp loosened.
I found it easier to access the area by removing the rear TPI cover from over the distributor cap. I even had to remove the cap to get one hose clamp loosened.
I removed the dist cover and moved the coil out of the way, and it's still a bear to reach. I tried using a small ratchet wrench to get at it but it's tight in there. I think if I was under the car with a long extension/elbow and someone was up above that could hold it in place I can get it. My forearms are all bruised and cut up from messing with that sucker!
Okay, I got everything synched up and good to go, atleast I thought. After about a week or so of driving around now I've got a puddle of coolant on my pass side floor, but worse than before. I'm even getting coolant on my driver side floor but only a tiny bit. Now I'm gonna have to waste another day off messing with this. Could it be the new core I got is defective? Anyone ever have that happen before?
Last edited by Jay'sIrocZ; 07-28-2009 at 03:27 PM.
It is possible the new heater core is bad. I've heard of it happening. Also, some people have damaged theirs when bending the pipes to make it fit thru the firewall. That's why I wanted a Delco unit. It needed nothing. The tubes might have cracked if too much pressure was put on them when installing. I'd take it back and get another. Unfortunately, you have to redo the job.
It is possible the new heater core is bad. I've heard of it happening. Also, some people have damaged theirs when bending the pipes to make it fit thru the firewall. That's why I wanted a Delco unit. It needed nothing. The tubes might have cracked if too much pressure was put on them when installing. I'd take it back and get another. Unfortunately, you have to redo the job.
Man I bet a tube cracked, I did have to bend em a lil to get them to fit through the holes. It was an aluminum core, vs. a copper/brass core like stock. I tried tracking down a delco one, I went to the delco site and searched for local dealer and again no luck...
If you want, contact Dave Triplett at the location below. See if they'll ship it to you. The guys at this location are die hard Chevy and Camaro guys. Dave has and has had many Camaros and IROC-Zs. I believe Dave is the co-owner of the store. He is also a local engine and race car builder. he knows what he's doing and knows what parts work and won't. Tell him I sent you.
EUSTIS AUTO PARTS
10 E BARNES AVE
EUSTIS, FL 32726
Phone: (352) 357-7971
I took the 84 TA to a cruise night at the state fair near my house...when I got there the coolant was boiling in the overflow bottle with steam coming out of the defrost vents, and coolant leaking on the floor on the driver's side. Based on the vents, and the fact that it was leaking out into the car I'm guessing its the heater core. Could it be anything else? I am thinking the heater core is the original one from the factory. I want to be sure it is the heater core before I do anything with it.
the coolant was boiling in the overflow bottle with steam coming out of the defrost vents, and coolant leaking on the floor on the driver's side. Based on the vents, and the fact that it was leaking out into the car I'm guessing its the heater core. Could it be anything else?
I'd bet core.
JamesC
__________________ "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet
"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche
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I pop my hood and and see my radiator is leaking all of a sudden. Atleast it showed up now while I was already gonna drain it for the heater core swap and not after. I removed most of the bolts that hold in the dash so I could get to the heater core easier. Once I was ready to pull out the heater core, the hose that goes from the heater core to the return between the firewall and engine wouldn't come off. I was sitting on the engine yanking with all my might, and it wouldn't budge. So I did what I had to do, and cut it. Replacing that hose is where I stopped last nite, it's a mother to get the hose clamp on that hose being squished between the block and firewall. If I had more tools I think I can get it, but man was I beat yesterday. It if wasn't for that hose I'd be driving it today, it'll have to wait a few more days til I can get back on it. 
