Looking for advice on high quality heater core. Don't want to replace this PITA again.

texas_snake

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So I need to replace the heater core after it gave up. Looking into it this is a time consuming nightmare to remove the entire dash, etc. So I want to buy a high end one to lower chances of a repeat anytime soon.
Anyone had good luck with a specific vendor/model. Normally I would go OEM if I could find it, but would like to see if there is something better and don't mind paying more. Thanks.
 

zredfire04

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I doubt there are any available that are measurably better.

If you don't drive much in the cold, best to just bypass it.
 

shurur

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I suspect this is true for heater cores, as it is true for evaporator cores: make sure you get one that has the AL hoses that are attached not just at the core but to each other or other point on the core. This gives them greater strength and relieved stress on the tube welds.

No copper..no brass...Get AL only.

Good luck.

Get help when you are ready to remove and install the dash. Remove the inner A pillar panels. It is easy to pinch wires when doing the dash install alone...and it is cumbersome to deal with alone. Take note of how it angles out for when you reinstall the dash.

Consider replacing the rubber vac hose that comes through the firewall with silicone line.

You can seal the airbox with permatex and then use strips of dynamat as tape...in case you or yours need to go in again someday.
 
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hotcobra03

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I replaced mine years ago.

Used ford

I didn't have to remove all of the dash ,
I only removed enough to pull passenger side back to remove box,,

It's not a short job ,solo it took about 4 hours following the service manual for bolt locations and heat controls and connectors and any special things.
First timer doing it ..

I would consider replacing the vacuum actuators..

My air blows out defrost when it shouldn't,
 

texas_snake

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Thanks for all the great replies. Me and my son will do it together as I can see why people say it is best with 2 people.

Question, was the original heater core copper? Or Aluminum.
Thanks.
 

Blkkbgt

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Thanks for all the great replies. Me and my son will do it together as I can see why people say it is best with 2 people.

Question, was the original heater core copper? Or Aluminum.
Thanks.
99% sure the O.E. unit is aluminum. I only say that because I haven't had to replace the one in my car or a friends.

All the heater cores I've ever done have all been aluminum. I will also admit that for as big a POS as the mini is they have the hands down easiest heater core to replace I've ever seen.
 

texas_snake

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Thanks for all the replies. The inventory is insanely low for different vendors. No new ford parts seem to exist. I checked everywhere.
So I ended up going with CarQuest Premium since they offer lifetime and ask more than average $$$ (so just going on a hope it is made a bit better than cheaper ones with short warranties). Also I found it had the APDI part #9010285 on it (which is a lifetime part by APDI). So thinking CarQuest is just a reseller.

Main thing I will do is check for electrolysis so I don't shorten the life of things.
 

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