A heater core is the device used for generating heat and warm air inside a truck, car or boat. Heater cores are used in many vehicles, which have a liquid-cooled engine. The air-cooled engines always need a different method foe generating heat. People who notice that their car heater is not putting out as much as heat as required should take their car to consult a mechanic and get the heater core checked.
The design of the heater core is very similar to that of the radiator. The liquid passes from a number of tubes and fins into the heater core, which is specially designed to dissipate heat instantly, so that the fluid cools down while passing from the engine. When the liquid moves from the device, air passing from around that device will pick the heat and the air will be directed in the cabin.
Sometimes the tube in the heater core can bend or get clogged, impeding the flow of the fluid and then decreasing the amount of heat, which is transferred around the heater core. Heater cores can sometimes develop leaks, which will create a problem by losing the coolant of the car and cause a lack of heat transfer. People who are well experienced with the functioning of cars can replace the heater core on their own, while people who are not comfortable with dismantling their dashboard will need to see a mechanic. However, replacing heater core is very easy.
Here are some simple steps on how to replace heater core.
Things Required:
- Repair manual
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers
- New heater core
Steps to replace heater core:
- The first step for replacing heater core is determining whether the heater core is broken or not. There are two things that will tell if the heater core is working or not. First, there is a possibility of a leak beneath your car approximately under the dashboard. Second, there will be no hot hair blowing once you switch on the heater.
- The second step for replacing heater core is finding the heater core and this is the trickiest part of the entire process. You can look for it in the repair manual of your car or try to find the location online. Once you get a hint of the general area of the heater core, then you can find it easily and replace it.
- You will have to buy a new heater core for replacement. Make sure that you know the make, model and year of your car before you step out to buy a heater core. You can easily buy it from a local auto parts store or if you are unable to find it then order it online. You will also get a used part heater core, but it is not reliable and you will have to replace it again soon.
- Cool the engine of your car. Always remember that you must never attempt to do this process when the engine is warm, as it could cause burns and lead to injuries or it can cause problems with the engine as well. If you are using your vehicle currently, then park your car in a shaded area and allow it to cool down for 30 minutes to an hour. If you want to speed up this process, then open the hood of your car and allow it to cool, but make sure that the sun does not shine directly in the engine.
- Now, remove the heater core. For this process open the car hood and try to find the heater core. If you want to remove other parts of your engine, then do this process carefully as mentioned in the instruction manual of your car. Notice properly how things are attached in the first place, so that you can replace them easily later.
- Once you have located the heater core, take a screwdriver and remove the bolts and screws that are holding it in place. Locate the outtake and intake hoses and disconnect both of them. While you are disconnecting them, always remember that they are connected to the core and you will have to lift them out carefully or the coolant will spill out.
- The last step for replacing heater core will be attaching the new one. The new heater core has to be attached in the opposite way you removed first one. Ensure that you have connected the outtake and the intake hoses to the core, connected in such a way that there is not leak in it. Screw tight the new heater in the place ensuring that it is secure. Once you have replaced the heater core properly, start replacing all the other engine parts that you had removed.
Replacing heater core yourself will save a lot of your money that you would have spent on the repair shop. However, it may seem a little tricky to do for the first time, but you will have the knowledge of the problem if it ever arises again in the future.
Related Tags: remove heater core, unable to find heater core
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