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Eadd
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2005
14:20:59

Subject: Heater Core leak
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I have a 98' 3.9L w/ac. I'm getting a small amount of vapor out of the center vents that i can see only when it is cold outside and that coolant smell. I assume i have a slight crack in my heater core, but not to big bc my floor mats aren't wet. Is this a problem that could be fix with an additive like bar's leak or something. I have always done my own repairs, but this is not something i would under take it would go to a shop and cost about $700.



Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2005
16:47:18

RE: Heater Core leak
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do it yourself, only take a couple of hours. I would suggest you take it to a shop to evac the a/c system. Instructions are in haynes.

- Dan M



KJS
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11/19/2005
21:06:11

RE: Heater Core leak
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whatever you do, do not use bar's leak as it can clog up you system and really cause problems, when my heater core cracked i tried that crap as well and found that it worked for a while then crapped out, i'm no mechanic and was able to do my own heater core replacement by myself by just reading posts off this board and asking questions.

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides with the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and good will shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon those with great vengeance and with furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know that my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee

Eadd
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2005
21:50:56

RE: Heater Core leak
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KJS, what do you mean by "craped out" was it the core it's self or was it your entire truck?



KJS
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11/20/2005
05:38:52

RE: Heater Core leak
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crapped out meaning it only held until i was on the highway and went to pass a vehicle and got the rpm's up to 4k then with all that pressure she sprang another leak, this time dripping coolant onto my passenger side rug and floor mats, when i first noticed the heater core leaking, mine was like yours no leaks just the steam coming out of the vents and windows fogging up, i would tackle the problem yourself, because the problem will get worse if not fixed, the dealer i went to wanted 900 beans to do the job, i did it for 37 for the heater core,200 for the evaporator core (because i figured since i'm in there might as well get it done too), 30 bucks for coolant and 50 bucks for an a/c recharge kit, and 10 bucks for a case of beer all in all i found out alot about my truck and had fun in the process, anyway the choice is yours.

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides with the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and good will shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon those with great vengeance and with furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know that my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee

Mike C
Dodge Dakota
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11/23/2005
10:00:15

RE: Heater Core leak
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Is the Heater core Difficult to change it looks like it is all tucked behind the dash?



Eadd
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2005
00:03:55

RE: Heater Core leak
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yeah, it's up against the fire wall. and you have to remove the entire dash board, insturment cluster, and on some models the steering colum to get to it.



Schlorge
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2005
10:29:22

RE: Heater Core leak
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I had the same problem and took it to my mechanic.

Total cost was $700. Unfortunately, the replacement heater core was faulty & he had to re-do it a couple of days later.

He mentioned that on the imports, it is a quick job. Unfortunately, on domestics it is buried behind the dash and that makes it a long job.





Eadd
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2005
23:24:05

RE: Heater Core leak
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Talked to a guy down the street from me, who does auto work on the side as a hobby. He evaced my a/c, cleaned the vents, flushed the raditor, replaced the core, and recharged the a/c. Parts and labor together came to be $300. He also replaced it with a A C Delco core and if it fails again it will be replaced free of charge on parts and labor. Better than any service I could get at any shop. Took him my truck today at noon and he called me at 6:30 and told me it was done.



lowrder
Dodge Dakota
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12/13/2005
18:54:03

RE: Heater Core leak
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I am in the middle fo replacing my heater core- have the dash off and don't know what to do from here. Can anyone tell me how to get the heater core assembly off the firewall so I can open it up?



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