heater core replacement difficulty?

red804 · 04-21-2010, 10:00 PM

i have a 81 and my heater core went out and is leaking coolant i bypassed the lines but i was wondering how hard it was to replace the core i have never messed with it before any input would be helpful thanks

Phoenix7 · 05-28-2010, 05:17 AM

I've searched the FSM and can't find a replacement procedure...I assume you'll have to remove the dash in order to get to the core...it's not an easy task but I'm sure you can tackle it before the cold weather kicks in.

Kentetsu · 05-28-2010, 11:35 AM

I'm pretty sure that you just need to remove the glove box and one of the side vents. Haven't done it myself yet though...

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12arotary · 05-28-2010, 12:27 PM

I changed mine out in my 82 before when it sprung a leak, tried at first to get it out with the dash in but was too difficult, just pull the dash

rx4ur7 · 06-17-2010, 03:37 PM

Yes, afraid you have to remove the dash. It can be done in a day. If you have never done one, plan on two or three to take your time to do it right. (Take the seats out, do not have to but sure makes it a lot easier)

mazdax605 · 08-25-2010, 07:54 PM

I think every 1st gen RX-7 started life as a heater core,and they build the rest of car around it. Pull the dash,and it will still be a suck job. Good luck,and take pics as you go so you remember how things go back together.

rx4ur7 · 10-12-2010, 06:27 PM

You might be correct in that they were designed around the heater core. I would say it is the one of the only service design flaw. I can say it is the one job I really do not enjoy doing on the SA/FB.
As stated - take plenty of pics if you have never done one, label and bag everything. Also just take your time. Do not rush it.

mazpower · 10-14-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazdax605

I think every 1st gen RX-7 started life as a heater core...

04-21-2010, 10:00 PM	#1
red804 The Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	heater core replacement difficulty? i have a 81 and my heater core went out and is leaking coolant i bypassed the lines but i was wondering how hard it was to replace the core i have never messed with it before any input would be helpful thanks __________________ 04 GT RX-8 81 GS RX-7 08 COBALT SS TURBO Last edited by Phoenix7; 05-28-2010 at 04:37 AM. Reason: edited title for relevance

05-28-2010, 11:35 AM	#3
Kentetsu RCC Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts: 530 Rep Power: 18	I'm pretty sure that you just need to remove the glove box and one of the side vents. Haven't done it myself yet though... . __________________ "Learn from the past, or it will become your future...." '85 GS 12a + LSD/Sterling carb/Respeed coilovers/Respeed front swaybar/Respeed adj. rear spring perches/Illuminas/Bilsteins on rear AutoX vids @ http://www.youtube.com/user/Kentetsu1

05-28-2010, 12:27 PM	#4
12arotary tumor-syphilis-itis-osis Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 191 Rep Power: 18	I changed mine out in my 82 before when it sprung a leak, tried at first to get it out with the dash in but was too difficult, just pull the dash __________________ 82 300d 82 Gsl 84 b2200 Diesel 88 gxl

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06-17-2010, 03:37 PM	#5
rx4ur7 Rotary since 1972 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tucson Posts: 231 Rep Power: 17	Yes, afraid you have to remove the dash. It can be done in a day. If you have never done one, plan on two or three to take your time to do it right. (Take the seats out, do not have to but sure makes it a lot easier)

08-25-2010, 07:54 PM	#6
mazdax605 The Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	I think every 1st gen RX-7 started life as a heater core,and they build the rest of car around it. Pull the dash,and it will still be a suck job. Good luck,and take pics as you go so you remember how things go back together.

10-12-2010, 06:27 PM	#7
rx4ur7 Rotary since 1972 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tucson Posts: 231 Rep Power: 17	You might be correct in that they were designed around the heater core. I would say it is the one of the only service design flaw. I can say it is the one job I really do not enjoy doing on the SA/FB. As stated - take plenty of pics if you have never done one, label and bag everything. Also just take your time. Do not rush it.