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I couldn't find the right size heater core new at any autostore, and I tried everyone in town. Ended up just watching ebay and getting a used one out of Florida assuming it didn't get much use. It has lasted over 3 years just fine now. Good luck!
Sorry to necro the thread, but it looks like it still floats to the top of google.
I have info to add regarding finding the replacement core
My truck is a DLX that does not have rear heat. The heater core did not leak, but I had the dash out anyway since the windshield was out, the truck is almost at 200K, and it is winter, so I figured I'd swap it.
I ordered both of these from rock auto -
SPECTRA PREMIUM/COOLING DEPOT 94179 Heater Core $ 87.79 (apparently the only one they had, it's now off the site)
APDI/PRO 9010206 Heater Core $ 39.79
Notice that's one for with and without rear heat. Neither of them fit. (returning both). If someone orders one from rockauto that fits, or find one from a different vehicle that fits, please post up.
I ended up taking my core to a local radiator shop (ace radiator) that does good work. They cleaned it inside and out, checked it's flow, and pressure checked it for leaks, all for $12. If it ever springs a leak, they can also probably fix it.
What I wish I had known a week ago - if it ain't broke, leave it alone or take it to a radiator shop. If it is broke, try a radiator shop anyway.
Also going to be getting a note out to toyota and rock auto, it looks like the nationwide database (or something) has the wrong size for our trucks. Everyone tries to stock the core, they're all too big for some reason.
My truck is sitting in the garage disassembled and I'm having an impossible time getting the part. I think I've figured it out. It appears that the national database for parts has the part wrong, at least if you need the heater core that includes the metal pipes (which I do). You'll notice in the image below the size differences (yellow vs red ovals). I've contacted Rock Auto and I'm hoping that they are able to contact the right people to get it fixed. Right now (Feb. 2018), no matter who you try to order this part from, online or local, it's going to be the wrong size. If your pipes are good on your core, then you can get the correct sized one without pipes, but check to make sure that the size is correct: 7 7/8 x 5 1/4. If it's not fixed in the parts database in the next 24 hours, I'll likely try to source a used one from a local parts yard.
More difficult but readily available possible fix - depending on the diameter of the factory tubing you might be able to find a short length of copper pipe at Home Depot that you could solder in. Either soft or rigid, fill rigid with sand to bend. If you have a flaring tool you can adjust the pipe dimension that way for tighter fit if needed, at least on soft, never tried with rigid.
UPDATE:
verified one heater core that is too big (wide at the bottom) and one that fits perfectly for less than $40.oo.
my truck: 1988 toyota 4x4 king cab with a/c
heater core from o-reilly's : Murrey Part #94662 does not fit the truck
however the notes online say it does fit the forerunner.
heater core from Napa : does fit perfectly, it's smaller but still a snug fit at the very bottom and top.
I can verify the Napa heater core pipes fit nicely, and it's a perfect fitment. If you want foam around it, get some weather stripping otherwise I left mine raw.
I also got Viton o-rings and used some high temp silicon around the connection b/c I don't want any leaks.
06-25-2015, 04:28 PM
