Heater core replacment?

WestCoastSVX · #1 02-19-2009, 04:53 PM

I have a couple symptoms that are leading towards a heater core issue. Smell of coolant coming out of the vents, windows fog when initially turning heater on.

Either way, I'm taking it in to an good Subaru shop tomorrow to have this and two other problems checked out and verified. But depending what problems they find, I want to be armed with some knowledge before agreeing to any work beyond the diagnostics.

Assuming it's a heater core problem, what are my options? I heard it is a major PITA to replace, so I'm guessing their labor is going to be expensive. But is it something I could attempt myself? Or am I going to have to part out the car based on this? (I'm only half kidding)

Blacky · #2 02-19-2009, 05:14 PM

I would say your heater core is definately toast. No need to pay dealer shop rates, go to an independent garage. My garage only charges $35.00/hr. compared to $85.00 at a dealership.

bheinen74 · #3 02-19-2009, 05:28 PM

a heater core is one of those things that shops arent going to false sell you....what i mean is they are not going to suggest getting it replaced unless it actually for sure needs it. They are a major PITA, in they take pretty much a whole day to do. lots of labor and love to replace those suckers...
good luck most shops would rather not have to pull one out and put one in. The WHOLE dash has to pretty much get torn out, not something a shop will really enjoy doing.

ensteele · #4 02-19-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGyver

But is it something I could attempt myself? Or am I going to have to part out the car based on this? (I'm only half kidding)

You will only think you are parting your car out when you replace it. You usually have to take the whole dash out to get to it. Yes, it is a PITA to do it.

svxpert · #5 02-19-2009, 07:32 PM

too bad your not on the east coast. i have had my dash out at least 6 times in the last year. i can practically do it blindfolded now! and yes, like the other members here, you do need to take the dash out.

WestCoastSVX · #6 02-19-2009, 10:33 PM

So other than the amount that has to be taken apart, is there anything particularly "challenging" to the actual replacement? Special tools, etc? Or is it just a matter of patience and love?

The heater core itself, is it recommended to get a new one? Spendy?

Blacky · #7 02-20-2009, 05:43 AM

After that amount of labour, anything but a new one would be foolish don't you think. It's $260.00 new.http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...ategory=721-A2

svxpert · #8 02-20-2009, 02:24 PM

<<
So other than the amount that has to be taken apart, is there anything particularly "challenging" to the actual replacement? Special tools, etc? Or is it just a matter of patience and love?

>>

no special tools, my steering wheel is off, not sure if you can get the dash out with it still on. that may be the only special tools you may need. someone else should be able to chime in on that.

bheinen74 · #9 02-20-2009, 03:39 PM

your gonna be *****in at whatever F in person put this son bich together. many times over you will get pissed off, good luck be prepared for a long love affair

WestCoastSVX · #10 02-20-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxpert

no special tools, my steering wheel is off, not sure if you can get the dash out with it still on. that may be the only special tools you may need. someone else should be able to chime in on that.

The steering wheel is not a huge deal to me, I actually replaced mine years ago. I'd just need to pull up whatever ancient thread I had that gave the safety procedure involed so the airbag doesn't go off. I'd probably just pull it either way so there's more room to work.

WestCoastSVX · #11 02-20-2009, 05:20 PM

An update:

I went to the independent Subaru shop today and had them look everything over. The tech was of the opinion that nothing is wrong with my car.

There WAS a large amount of coolant down in the left side of the engine. But levels were fine and no leaks visible in the system. Could it still be there from when a hose broke in November? Could spilled coolant in the engine bay send the smell through the vents inside the car?

They also pressure tested everything, visually inspected the whole system, he even went under the dash and poked around and saw none of the usual suspects with a leaky heater core.

All I can do is give the engine bay an extreme cleaning and keep on monitoring coolant levels.

I shouldn't be complaining.

ensteele · #12 02-20-2009, 08:22 PM

Yes, it could be coming from there. I would wash it very well, and then watch the levels of fluid. It would be good news if it is ok. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

immortal_suby · #13 02-21-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacky

After that amount of labour, anything but a new one would be foolish don't you think. It's $260.00 new.http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...ategory=721-A2

Too true. I replaced mine last summer with a used one and now the used one is leaking. I put in some stop leak to bandaid it and so far it seems to be ok but I am kicking myself for not spending the money for a new one. Removing the dash, dropping the steering column, etc isn't technically hard but it is a major pain in the ass. Expect a day if it's your first time.

immortal_suby · #14 02-21-2009, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxpert

no special tools, my steering wheel is off, not sure if you can get the dash out with it still on. that may be the only special tools you may need. someone else should be able to chime in on that.

Steering wheel stays on, you just drop the steering column down. You work mostly from the passenger side so having the steering column down isn't a problem.
No special tools are needed for this job, just a ton of patience.