Heater core

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DMSO - 22 Sep 2007 17:51 GMT

I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4X2, auto, 318. extended cab with 307K miles on it
and I need to replace or clean the heater core (it's the original core). I
can hear a noise that can only be from a clogged core. According to the
manual I have drain the A/C in order to replace it, plus it looks like I
have remove about half the dashboard to get to it.
Any thoughts on a reasonable way to clean it out, without removing it?
I disconnected it for the summer, trying to keep the 'gunk' out of my
radiator. Since it starting to get cool in the a.m. I think it time to have
heat again!
Thanks
David

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John Kunkel - 22 Sep 2007 18:02 GMT

>I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4X2, auto, 318. extended cab with 307K miles on it
>and I need to replace or clean the heater core (it's the original core). I
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> radiator. Since it starting to get cool in the a.m. I think it time to
> have heat again!

I wonder what "noise" would indicate a clogged core. Have you tried a simple
flow test of the core by running water in one side and watching the flow
from the other?

If you have to pull the HVAC unit, this page shows the basic drill:

http://www.autoclinic.net/article/chrysler/98_ram_evaporator.htm

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DMSO - 22 Sep 2007 18:28 GMT

The noise is like water being force Thru a Small opening, a squirting noise
that changes with the engine speed. Also the heater puts out more heat at
highway speed, rather than low speed and rpm's. The heat diff. is
noticeable, and not I have not tried a flow test, but I will.

Thanks

>>I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4X2, auto, 318. extended cab with 307K miles on it
>>and I need to replace or clean the heater core (it's the original core). I
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> http://www.autoclinic.net/article/chrysler/98_ram_evaporator.htm

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Mike - 23 Sep 2007 05:00 GMT

>I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4X2, auto, 318. extended cab with 307K miles on it
>and I need to replace or clean the heater core (it's the original core). I
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks
> David

From under the hood remove both heater hoses and flush out the heater core
with your garden hose. Alternate the garden hose from one fitting to the
other so you back flush it as well. If that does not free up the flow you
will need to replace it. If you have an air compressor you can use
compressed air as well. You may find that you need compressed air to break
the blockage loose and then water to flush it out.

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DMSO - 23 Sep 2007 15:39 GMT

Sounds like a plan, thank you very much for the reply. I was thinking of
putting radiator flush into the core and letting it soak for an hour or two,
and then following your instructions.
David

>>I have a 1996 Ram 1500 4X2, auto, 318. extended cab with 307K miles on it
>>and I need to replace or clean the heater core (it's the original core). I
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> compressed air as well. You may find that you need compressed air to break
> the blockage loose and then water to flush it out.

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aarcuda69062 - 23 Sep 2007 16:00 GMT

> Sounds like a plan, thank you very much for the reply. I was thinking of
> putting radiator flush into the core and letting it soak for an hour or two,
> and then following your instructions.
> David

You can do that -and- reverse the heater hoses and drive it a bit.
I unclog a lot of S-10 and Blazer heater cores that way.
Make sure you do a thorough flush afterwards including opening
the block drains to get all the crap out.

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