trying to do a Heater Core fix - the easy way?

[fraze]

Hi guys,
I'm trying to find the easiest way to fix my heater core. It's a 1993 JDM turbo.

Will a USDM heater core will fit in a RHD car?
Also, has anybody ever tried to get at the heater core by dropping the gas tank and going in underneath?

This project is happening soon and if it's feasible I'll take pictures. Questions/comments welcome!

[Oteck]

Hi guys,
I'm trying to find the easiest way to fix my heater core. It's a 1993 JDM turbo.

Will a USDM heater core will fit in a RHD car?
Also, has anybody ever tried to get at the heater core by dropping the gas tank and going in underneath?

This project is happening soon and if it's feasible I'll take pictures. Questions/comments welcome!

the heater core in the dash, why are you replacing it?

[fraze]

It's leaking. Some research revealed that the coppery bits (mounting tabs?) can crack and allow fluid leakage. Right now it's bypassed but I'd like to fix it for the winter.

One other obstacle is finding a JDM heater core. If the copper bits are snapped can I just solder 'em?

[fraze]

actually it might not even be the heater core that's leaking. I'm not sure where to begin if it's not... somebody on one of these forums wrote to the effect that it might be easier to fix a heater core if they hadn't started with the heater & then built the car around it.

[Oteck]

thats the heater line leaking. not the core

zera had this issue before i had to fix and that means dropping the fuel tank

[fraze]

hey, that sounds like good news!
Is it a case of fix or wholesale replacement of the lines?

(wondering if these are the 'hard lines' i have seen advertised on other forums)??

[Oteck]

it's an issue when some bloke decides to yank the heater hose near the rear heat shield and kinks it where the bracket is. copper pipes are soft and easy to damage. are you planning to fix it yourself?

[fraze]

hoping to fix it myself, yes, but not averse to paying to fix it. If only the car wasnt such a money pit.

[PearlWhiteMR2]

Welcome to being an MR2 owner

[macatak]

^ +1to that Sarah

[dh4ever]

could be worse, could be a jeep: just empty every pocket

[Oteck]

After some long discussion through PM fraze decided to suddenly drop the car to me on a short notice. First time we meet and he left the car in my care for the next week.
I've already slaved my ass off and just gave up tonight putting the tank back together. Just the evap and fuel lines has to go back but the hard stuff is finish

The tank dropped and getting ready to remove the heater line


Cut off the bracket portion where i found the leak source and replace it with a hose/clamp


The source of the leak


I still have a long list i need to do but this one took abit longer since i had to wrestle the fuel tank single hand w/o any lifting aid

[ZerA]

looks familiar lolllllll

[Oteck]

I finished some stuff for him but his missing RL caliper stopping me from finishing his car
So far i've replaced his clutch and transmission fluids along with his ignition components. the PO was so nice he left a FRAM filter in there for me to cuss at; it was strange that no oil leaked out when i loosened it but low and behold i felt a rough cap texture and an orange band (orange death cap). These junk filter can sure flow alot seeing their cardboard filter element and anti-drain back (lack of any), i'd stay away from anyone who'd even consider putting these in their car.


A new problems arises as no heat is flowing through the core so im guessing there was some stuffing in there i didn't see.
I devised that i can force it out if i reverse flow it by either plugging the other end with a garden hose or air through my compressor.
Either way it's going to be messy.

[fraze]

I didn't know this was still here. It's nice to see photos of the whole process, even the ugly broken brass bits.
You're my hero of the month, Joe

Also: I'm about to make underpanels from clear Lexan, what think ye?