Matt Nelson

I just bought at 88 iroc convertible. I'm replacing the heater core and the hose closest to the driver side into the firewall/heater is stuck. Anyone have any advice on how to get that off or what tool worked in that tight space. The hoses are still good so I really don't want to cut them.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Well, the nice thing is that you don't have to try and be delicate with the core. So twisting and working them back and forth might work. But if they are originals, and 30 years old, you may not get them off without cutting them.

I'll be watching hear for better advice too.

jczoka

Use a hose pick. They are absolutely the best way to avoid damaging the hose or the heater core.
Here’s a pic for a radiator hose, but same idea for the heater core. The long ones work best in tight spots. Just rotate the tool around the pipe and it usually pops right off. DON’T use pliers and try to twist it. You could damage the heater core (if you were trying to save it) or the hose.

Matt Nelson

Yeah I was looking into one of the picks but I'm not sure about them as the lip of the hose is right up against the firewall and I don't have much maneuvering to get the pick under the lip. I'll keep looking for one that looks like I can get it around and back under. Heat wouldn't do anything would it?
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DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

I have used my cotter pin removal tool for that before, but with mixed results. On several occasions, as it forced it's way in, the rubber separated in the middle, leaving a layer of rubber stuck to the "pipe", and a rough surface on the inside of the hose.

Have you ever had this happen?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Usually there's enough "extra" that you can make a small cut perpendicular to the core and still have enough usable hose to reattach.

Those things stick on there pretty good though.

Matt Nelson

Ok so I cut the hose off but now I cant get the new hose I have back on. I can get the bottom of the hose on the metal piping down behind the engine but I have no way to tighten the clamp. I had to use a dremel to cut the old one off. I think I could do it if I could remove the dipstick tube, is that possible?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

If you can reach your hand down and grab the hose then you should have enough room to use a stubby screwdriver on the clamp, that's what I'd try.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

If you hold the other hose piece in place it'll hold the core more steady. THen just rotate and twist the hose until it goes on.

As far as "not being careful with the heater core", screw that. You can damage them if you're not careful then you wind up with coolant all over your floor and have to start over again.

Croz

you can move the dipstick tube if you need more room, i wouldnt remove it as it will leak some fluid down at the trans. Just remove the bolt that secures the top of the tub to the head or engine block, then carefully rotate it slightly (easier to do if the dip stick is removed). With the bends and curves in the tub it will move out of your way slightly. Never done a heater core on a third gen but if this is what your are fighting with it can be moved around, just dont lift up on it as it will come out of the trans case. Not a big deal if it does, just a mess.

Matt Nelson

I eventually got it, I bought a ratchet wrench and after a few hours I got it to a point where I could get 2 clicks of rotation on the wrench so I pulled up Netflix on my phone and sat there for about 40 mins clicking away.