Heater core replacement

Oldranger · **Joined:** Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:41 pm **Posts:** 29

I think my heater core has a small leak and going to have to replace it. I’ve did a lot of reading and haven’t really found much information on how to remove it. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or advice about the job? Thanks in advance

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2020 11:42 pm

Oldranger wrote:

I think my heater core has a small leak and going to have to replace it. I’ve did a lot of reading and haven’t really found much information on how to remove it. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or advice about the job? Thanks in advance

Have you checked YouTube? Sometimes you can find some pretty good how to videos on there.

Oldranger · **Joined:** Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:41 pm **Posts:** 29

yea I found a few videos on youtube but they wasnt very helpful.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2020 5:42 pm

I haven't replaced a heater core on the liberty but I know the first thing I would do is a coolant syaytem pressure test which should show a leak even if you cannot see evidence of the leak. Assuming there is a leak I would disconnect the heater core hoses and plug them or connect them together /bypass them and recheck the coolant pressure test. If there is no longer a leak you have confirmed the core as the source of leak but if the leak continues look elsewhere like head gasket etc.

Oldranger · **Joined:** Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:41 pm **Posts:** 29

I’ve already pressured tested it and I have a very small leak. I have been all over the engine and checked every hose at least three times. I’m about 99% sure it’s the heater core because of the smell I get from the vents sometimes.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 06, 2020 10:52 pm

I would still take the heater core out of line and pressure test again not that much trouble and can definitely confirm its the source. . If the head gasket or a cracked head is the source of the leak there have been several times the leak has been directly into the exhaust manifold and not visible from inspection (just ask Flash). There can also be internal leaks in EGR if its not totally removed.

Most likely you are correct from the odor but it would be pretty aggravating to do all that work then find out that wasn't it.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 06, 2020 11:30 pm

Normally with a heater core leak if it is leaking, when you first start the engine in the morning and turn on the defroster, it will fog the windshield very badly due to all the moisture coming out of the heater core from the leaking antifreeze . Plus it will give you that tell-tale strong acidic smell.

Oldranger · **Joined:** Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:41 pm **Posts:** 29

I finally got the heater core out and it was leaking.

TKB4 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 07, 2020 2:13 pm

Great!! Glad it was the core as you strongly suspected ! When you get time if any tips others might need you might post them since there wasn't much good info here about that (pics helpful too ) !!

TKB4 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 07, 2020 2:14 pm

Great!! Glad it was the core as you strongly suspected ! When you get time if any tips others might need you might post them since there wasn't much good info here about that (pics helpful too ) !!

Oldranger · **Joined:** Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:41 pm **Posts:** 29

I can’t figure out how to upload a picture. It wasn’t to bad of a job, probably took me about 5-6 hours.

Heater core replacement

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