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Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:04 am

I am working on a coolant system refresh. A new radiator is going in and I have a rear heater core also.

Since I want to do the heater lines (I have access now) and my van is not on the road I am thinking of doing this. This way I won’t have to deal with this later when the van is on the road.

Another motive is to look behind the dash for any electrical gremlins (burned wires etc) as the dash fires are on my radar.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:44 am

Are you asking whether you should install the rear heater core or front?

The rear would be a no brainer given the fact that you're already opening up the system. I would only do the front if I was really, really motivated to pull the dash.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:49 am

SCM wrote: Are you asking whether you should install the rear heater core or front?

The rear would be a no brainer given the fact that you're already opening up the system. I would only do the front if I was really, really motivated to pull the dash.

Sorry for being vague. I fixed the title to say front.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:50 am

If you're off the road anyway, pulling the dash is not a bad idea. The heater/air box probably needs some attention anyway (perished foam seals, etc) and there are some maintenance items back there that can be done to prevent later headaches. The dhaavers Jeep resistor swap is always a good idea (dash fires from glowing ceramic resistors in plastic enclosures seem like a risk). A good time to add 12v power outlets or clever phone/nav system connections as well.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:01 am

You can replace the front heater hoses without removing the dash.
Dash out, front core & related issues can be done in a good weekend.

Take your pick... :wink:

- Dave

Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:03 am

dhaavers wrote: You can replace the front heater hoses without removing the dash.
Dash out, front core & related issues can be done in a good weekend.

Take your pick... :wink:

- Dave

Historically, the trouble has been FINDING the preformed heater hoses.
Unless now available, they were unobtainium last I looked. (A few years ago)

Dave

Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:10 am

djkeev wrote: dhaavers wrote: You can replace the front heater hoses without removing the dash.
Dash out, front core & related issues can be done in a good weekend.

Take your pick... :wink:

- Dave

Historically, the trouble has been FINDING the preformed heater hoses.
Unless now available, they were unobtainium last I looked. (A few years ago)

Dave

Gotcha. They don’t look too bad so I am not that worried about them. The core perhaps.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:28 am

have you priced them? this isn't a 'replace it while in there' kind of part at >$200

if you don't smell coolant or see any crust, then don't replace.

the blower motor, on the other hand, if original, is probably worth replacing before it starts drawing more and more current and eventually seizes and melts wires, squeals, etc.

now, the foam on the vent flaps. that is the cheapest but one of the best fixes!

Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:30 am

atomatom wrote: have you priced them? this isn't a 'replace it while in there' kind of part at >$200

if you don't smell coolant or see any crust, then don't replace.

the blower motor, on the other hand, if original, is probably worth replacing before it starts drawing more and more current and eventually seizes and melts wires, squeals, etc.

now, the foam on the vent flaps. that is the cheapest but one of the best fixes!

True until your feet are swimming and coolant in the middle of the woods in freezing temps :)

Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:10 pm

I am amazed at the durability of the front heater core-- mine is 28 years old and still going. as long as someone doesn't run strait water in her then the corrosion will be nill---I wonder about the hoses more and my heater valve has dripped here and there, only when open.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:20 pm

djkeev wrote: Historically, the trouble has been FINDING the preformed heater hoses.
Unless now available, they were unobtainium last I looked. (A few years ago)

Dave
AFAIK, these heater hoses are universal for all Vanagons:
251265054A http://www.busdepot.com/251265054a
251265053C http://www.busdepot.com/251265053c

Li'l spendy, but within reason ...

Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:18 pm

Jeffrey Lee wrote: djkeev wrote: Historically, the trouble has been FINDING the preformed heater hoses.
Unless now available, they were unobtainium last I looked. (A few years ago)

Dave
AFAIK, these heater hoses are universal for all Vanagons:
251265054A http://www.busdepot.com/251265054a
251265053C http://www.busdepot.com/251265053c

Li'l spendy, but within reason ...

Thank you for point these out.

Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:18 pm

thummmper wrote: I am amazed at the durability of the front heater core-- mine is 28 years old and still going. as long as someone doesn't run strait water in her then the corrosion will be nill---I wonder about the hoses more and my heater valve has dripped here and there, only when open.

Thanks for this input.