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Heater Core Removal

Tiny
JDANIEL12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • DODGE DURANGO
I have a 1998 Dodge Durango V8 Magnum SLT 4x4
w/ 145105 miles. I smell antifreeze in the passenger cab and the engine does heat quickly. There is no leak but there was smoke coming inside the car through the vents. When I turn the a/c on it shoots hot air and also smells of antifreeze. I read the other Dodge Durango questions and see that it may possible be the heater core. I would like to buy the part first and then have a mechanic install. Which heater core make would fit my truck and approx how much should it cost to install to know if I am being over charged? I would install myself but have very little repair experience.
Thank you very much for any assistance
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
I would use either a factory heater core or a Modine. The labor guide calls for about 5.2 hours of labor, find out how much the shop charges per hour and go from there
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JBDBSB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello.
The rear upper unit is A/C ONLY, No heat. The rear heat comes from the rear console between the front seats. It is blown through tubes from the front under the front consloe. There is no rear heat blower per say, though you can direct the rear heat for mid, and lower console outlets, and of course off. Again, The rear upper is A/C ONLY.
And just to add. My A/C has never really blown cold, and my heat is NEVER hot! I'm thinking the heater core also. You repaced it yourself jeffs22? How was that?
Jeff jbdbsb123@aol. Com
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
You have to understand that a shop markes up the parts, and has to to stay in business. You wouldn't go to the ice cream shop and bring your own Ice cream would you? Plan on a 100% markup in addition to the labor and fluids.

Alos understnad getting a heater core job from the techs perspective is like getting dealt the queen of spades. It is a miserable job and no one wants it.
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
UNINFORMED
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE DURANGO
Heater problem
1998 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic? Miles

I think the heater core is failing in my Durango, I am losing rad fluid, and am barely getting any heat into the vehicle. Thermostat is ok, no other visible leaks. Can someone please telll me how to go about changing the heater core. One site I found online suggests a 5+ hour job, as AC has to be removed first. Can anyone please give me an idea about the immensity of the job to change heater core? Thanks.
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
With the coolant loose the heater quality will go down
and not because the heater core is bad
you need to pressure check the system to locate the leak
some signs that heater core is bad and leaking
coolant loose
fog windshield when defrost on
sweet coolant smell
and if the heater core is to be changed I suggest have it done by qualified shop where they can evacuate the AC system in a environmental way
good luck
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE12341234
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
Can I repalce the heater core myself?
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Can't really answer that without knowing your experience level. Best I can do is post the replacement procedures and let you decide if you think you can perform this repair without damaging or harming anything/anyone.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
If equipped with air conditioning, recover the refrigerant.
Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fitting from the evaporator inlet tube.
Ram: remove the accumulator.
Dakota, Durango: disconnect the accumulator inlet tube.
Drain the cooling system.
Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core tubes.
Ram: remove the powertrain control module from the dash panel. Disconnecting wiring is not necessary.
Remove the four nuts from the heater-A/C mounting studs on the engine compartment side of the dash panel.
Remove the nut(s) that secure(s) the heater-A/C housing mounting brace to the stud(s) on the passenger compartment side of the dash board.
Pull the housing rearward far enough for the mounting studs and evaporator condensate drain tube to clear the dash panel holes.
Remove the housing from the vehicle.
Lift the heater core out of the housing.
Installation is the reverse of removal.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Monday, January 7th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)

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