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adodge4me_198
Dodge Dakota
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1/03/2006
20:14:58
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 Subject: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
Hey everyone I could really use some info and help on replacing my heater core. I have a 1998 4x4 dakota with the 3.9 I got a quote from a shop to do it for 450$ but that is alot of money. I was going to try doing it myself. does anyone have any tips or anything to help me out? anything would be great thanks.
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runner
Dodge Dakota
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1/04/2006
08:42:16
|  RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
spend around $20 for a repair manual and then trear into it yourself, it's not too hard just takes some time and the manual will show how to do it. if your like me i won't pay someone to fix something i can fix myself. good luck
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vern
Dodge Dakota
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1/04/2006
17:45:31
| RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
basicly,the whole dash needs to be removed,
instrument panel,steering column,you may be able to drop the column enough,at least you do on a 98 durango
its now hard,just takes some time,like runner said get a manaul it will help
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jimbojones
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/04/2006
18:44:25
|  RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
I just did it myself on my 93 CC with 3.9 and A/C. The manual says to drop the box containing the heater core.
But first you are supposed to have the a/c drained. I checked with a local ac shop and he wanted 170 bucks just to remove and replace the R12.
Here's what I did...
I started by dropping the bottom pieces of the dash, then lowered the steering column. Removed the bolts and screws holding the dash in place then pulled the dash back enough to get to the top of the heater box. There's a bunch of screws to get at and I believe they are 5/16's. You might want to remove the padding from just above the box. Also remove the cover from the blower motor. There are 2 screws that you have to stick your hand up into the vent to get to(it's the one on the right side straight up from the blower motor after you take off the cover)Don't forget to take off the nut from the firewall next to the heater hoses in the engine compartment. After you get all the screws off the cover, don't forget to remove the control arms on top.You'll also have to remove the plastic heater vents that are held on with only a couple of screws each. There's also a clip you have to take off on top(I just cut the clip off)Lift off the cover and you can see the heater core. Pull back slightly on the left side of the box(after you removed the nut inside the engine compartment) and let it sit against the inside firewall and lift out the heater core. You'll have to wiggle it a bit but it will come out. Install in the reverse, and keep track of the screws, they'll let you know how many more have to be replaced.Some of the screws are way up front and hard to get but you can with either a 1/4" socket or wrench, the gear wrenches came in real handy here.
It took me about 6 hrs to figure out what I needed to take apart, but only 2 1/2 to put it all back.
Everything works, it looks like it should, and best of all I saved $170.
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davec
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/05/2006
15:43:38
| RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
98' and 93' dashes are totally different.
It is a fairly uncomplicated job. You will have to roll the dash out to access the heat/ac box. I would take Runner's advice and get a manual. Also, you would be better off paying someone to PROPERLY evac. and fill you a/c system. Be sure to pay attention when you are disassembling. There are a ton of little screws (some are a little hidden, so don't yank on something until you know it's loose) and a bunch of connectors. Don't get anything pinched when you roll the dash back in. Remember to clip the MODE cable in place also. There are 4 nuts on the engine side of the firewall that hold the box tight. The a/c lines will have to come apart from the H-block. You'll need quick disconnects to get them apart. (kinda like a fuel line)I would also advise replacing the o-rings on the a/c lines when you take them apart. I'm sure there's more tips to give but I can't think of anymore right now.
Good luck...
Dave
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iddy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/13/2010
23:07:34
|  RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
like runner said but its pretty easy just takes time
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Steven
Dodge Dakota
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1/14/2010
14:50:37
| RE: replacing heater core. need help!!!
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Message:
Definately get the $20 repair manual. I did it in my 93 two weeks ago. Give yourself a lot of time and prepare to be misarable. I took me 6 hours to do the job completely and since i had the coolant out i went ahead and replaced the thermostat. When i did mine i also had 5 extra bolts and when you do it you'll probably will also. Have fun and try not to get to frustrated. :)
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