Heater Core Removal-A/C Discharge???

Jeeps4u · 01-11-2005, 01:17 PM

Hey guys,
I read all 12 pages on heater related topics but I never found an answer about discharging and disconnecting the A/C lines when removing the heater core. Is this a neccessary step or is there any way around it? The Haynes manual calls for having the system discharged by a professional and disconnecting the lines.

I have everything else out of the way and it looks like those two hoses are keeping the whole underside of the dash (heater core unit ) in place.

IS THE CORE IN FRONT OF THE EVAPORATOR?? In which case, does the evap. have to come out before the core? First time doing a heater core on a jeep.....any suggestions as far as the A/C evap. and the whole removal shebang goes would be oh so sweet right now. Been bangin my head for about an hour now!

Thanks!

Kamaaina · 01-11-2005, 03:18 PM

The heater core and evaporator are both contained in the same housing so draining the freon is required to remove the housing from under the dash. I think it would be physically impossible to open up the housing and remove the heater core from under the dash. Air flows thru the evap first and then the core. I changed the evap on my '98 and it's a PIA. Just about the whole dash has to come out to gain access to the evap/core housing. You'll need lots of time, patience, a damn good memory for all the parts that have to be reassembled, and a case of beer to get this job done.

Jeeps4u · 01-11-2005, 03:48 PM

Thanks for your feedback Kamaaina.

I have found the answer to my question! Both yes and no go for having to discharge and dissconnect the two A/C lines. I was able to maneauver the heater core out and back in with the new without damaging the new core. It was a bit tricky but I was able to pull the housing into the cab and down far enough to sneak the core in.

WWHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWW!!!! Fitting it all back together somehow compares to what it must me like to have a baby!

Took four hand and a lot of patience, 6hrs total....

I need a beer now.....mmmmm

tripletsjeepin · 01-11-2005, 03:53 PM

heater cores and evaporators are the dreaded jobs when your a tech working at a shop. They take forever and you never have any room

Creek Rat · 01-11-2005, 09:59 PM

I've got a slow freon leak that I can't find anywhere. While you were crawling around down there did you see any spots around the evaporator that look likely to fail??

01-11-2005, 03:53 PM	#4
tripletsjeepin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 178 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	heater cores and evaporators are the dreaded jobs when your a tech working at a shop. They take forever and you never have any room __________________ 1988 Cherokee, 4.0 liter, Auto 4.5 inch Rusty's lift, 33x 12.50 MTR's Adjustable upper and lower control arms GPS, CB, OBA, XM radio Third row seating for the kids

01-11-2005, 03:18 PM	#2
Kamaaina Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hawaii Posts: 185 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The heater core and evaporator are both contained in the same housing so draining the freon is required to remove the housing from under the dash. I think it would be physically impossible to open up the housing and remove the heater core from under the dash. Air flows thru the evap first and then the core. I changed the evap on my '98 and it's a PIA. Just about the whole dash has to come out to gain access to the evap/core housing. You'll need lots of time, patience, a damn good memory for all the parts that have to be reassembled, and a case of beer to get this job done.

01-11-2005, 09:59 PM	#5
Creek Rat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 30 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I've got a slow freon leak that I can't find anywhere. While you were crawling around down there did you see any spots around the evaporator that look likely to fail??