Heater Core Leaking

[ricsvtr]

Hi guys just wondering if anyone has had their heater core start leaking on them and where abouts you got it fixed? Mine started leaking the other day and Im trying to figure out whether its worth getting a new heater core installed or just bypassing the heater altogether. Ive read in some other posts that the whole dash needs to come out so im thinking its gonna be an expensive job. Does anyone know of a good place in Perth that I could get this sorted out at?

Thanks!

[GTS-t VSPEC]

Dude, it's one hell of a job to replace. I went for the easy option and just bypassed the whole thing

[ricsvtr]

I just bypassed it today using a joiner to connect the two heater hoses. I had to cut one of the heater hoses and I did a messy job of it, I hope it doesnt leak!

[GTS-t VSPEC]

Keep checking your coolant levels regularly for the first few days, then you should be fine

[ricsvtr]

Ive just got some quotes to replace the heater.....$1000 - $1200!

Ive heard from another member on SAU that u can replace the heater via the glovebox. The only thing is you have to degas the aircon and disconnect the aircon pipes. Im thinking that doing it this way (even with getting the aircon regassed) will come out considerably cheaper than removing the whole dash. Has anyone else done this?

[Stinky Rooster]

Well, I had the heater core in my S1 Stagea replaced (luckily, just before I bought it) and 1 other guy on the Stagea forum did his own and the thing both had in common was coming away from the experience twitchy gibbering messes.....

I realise the dash's are slightly different, but get someone with FAST access to show you the breakdown pic's and you will see what I mean. It takes someone who knows what they are doing 1-2 days min.

[negoshi8or]

Well, I had the heater core in my S1 Stagea replaced (luckily, just before I bought it) and 1 other guy on the Stagea forum did his own and the thing both had in common was coming away from the experience twitchy gibbering messes.....

I realise the dash's are slightly different, but get someone with FAST access to show you the breakdown pic's and you will see what I mean. It takes someone who knows what they are doing 1-2 days min.

Hey newbie,

1-2 days min? Sorry dude but I disagree with you. I am not a mechanic nor am I clueless with tools but this job took me 3-4 hours at most. I am not boasting but hoping I can convince another forum member save himself $1000.

Ric - dont be worried about doing it! Give it a go! I learnt how to pull out the dash by reading guides on the forum here... there is one with pics on how to remove the dash.

A good 2nd hand core should cost between $100-$120. A brand new one I was quoted (from NatRad I think) was $350. I cant say if Ric's quoted price was including a new one or 2nd hand.

All it comes down to is your own decision.

Peace and out.

[Stinky Rooster]

Hey newbie,

1-2 days min? Sorry dude but I disagree with you. I am not a mechanic nor am I clueless with tools but this job took me 3-4 hours at most. I am not boasting but hoping I can convince another forum member save himself $1000.

Ric - dont be worried about doing it! Give it a go! I learnt how to pull out the dash by reading guides on the forum here... there is one with pics on how to remove the dash.

A good 2nd hand core should cost between $100-$120. A brand new one I was quoted (from NatRad I think) was $350. I cant say if Ric's quoted price was including a new one or 2nd hand.

All it comes down to is your own decision.

Peace and out.

I am quite happy to stand corrected

I did say that my only experience with this was a Stagea tho....

[mitchy_]

heres a thread with links on removing the dash, and fixing the heater core. (on a R33 however, not sure what you own?)

[ricsvtr]

Hey if anyone is chasing a heater core, radiator or anything to do with your cooling system I really recommend seeing Abbott's Radiators (natrad) in Welshpool. I ran into a few problems when trying to replace my heater core and these guys helped me out a lot, really top blokes.

Oh and also it IS possible to replace the heater core without removing the whole dash.

Cheers!

Edited May 28, 2007 by ricsvtr

[colinharwood]

autoworx, 94092445 should do it considerably cheaper than your previous quotes. their situated in wangara 30 baretta rd

[Tezzah]

what kinda car do you ahve? i've done this in an old r31 skyline i had, in total it took 3 hours, but that was with mucking around, a maccas run, and yeah not really putting 100% into it

[32vspecII]

about 4 hours labour + core + degassing and regassing (100$) . budget around $500ish

[ricsvtr]

Cheers for the replies guys but ive already got mine fixed.

Edited June 11, 2007 by ricsvtr

[tiesto]

what did you do to fix it? i bought a heater core from a halfcut, thinking about changing mine this uni holidays.. i heard its possible through the glovebox, found a couple threads DIY howto's on this forum.. might give it a bash.