Heater Core Replacement Procedure

[clarkedj]

I have a 78 fiat 124 1800. I just bought a heater core to replace the one in the car. The old one has corrosion and leaked. I routed around it last winter until I could find a clean used one without paying an arm and leg. Now that I have the core and performed a pressure test to make sure no leaks. Does anyone know where I can get a procedure for the replacement. I can guess that I have to take out both radio console and center console but would like to avoid ripping out the dash. The core I bought also came with the entire heating system including both fans. I thought while I was in their I would check out the other components for corrosion since the original core was leaking. So any suggestions as to the procedure would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ed

[So Cal Mark]

no need to take out the dash, remove the radio console and it's all in front of you

[clarkedj]

Mark

Thanks

ED

[baltobernie]

Ed,
Before you remove the old core, make sure you have three new rubber gaskets made specifically for this purpose. Sometimes the selling vendor includes them, sometimes you must order them separately. Observe the taper on the gasket, it goes in to the heater pipe(s) and heater valve. Your installation will leak if these gaskets are not pliable. You'll probably need a small 1/4" drive socket set to get to these bolts; the area is very tight up there. You'll also need a fid to get your console screws back in. Don't have one? Take a $.99 screwdriver and grind the tip off . Taper to a nice fine point, so you can find the screw holes thru the console. You'll say lots of bad words otherwise while contorted in a very awkward and uncomfortable position. Might as well dribble some 3-in-1 or silicone lube into the cable while it's free, too. Follow other threads on the correct procedure to purge air from the system, and you're good to go!

[clarkedj]

Balto,

Thanks for the advice. The replacement regulator came with the rubber gaskets you referred to. I used them between the core and the regulator and the regulator and intake pipe. On the output pipe I made the gaskets using gasket material and double up the gaskets to make sure I had a good seal. I also pressure tested the connections using a garden hose connected to the input and placed my thumb over the output to create pressure. Good seals all around. Not sure how much pressure I created but I am confident it was high enough to test seals. If I get leaks on the output I will spring for the additional rubber gasket. I just wanted to get the thing put back together.

Now I get to chase a short I created in the turn signals when I replaced the heater core. I pulled both consoles to make the replacement easier and I must have disconnected something or shorted something. Damn.

Thanks

Ed

[baltobernie]

Water leaks are child's play compared to electrical gremlins in these cars!
The hazard switch is at the top of the Usual Suspects list; good luck.