Heater Core Replacement

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

03-08-2018, 04:06 PM

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Heater Core Replacement

Hey Y'all, I am fairly new to this site but have a question about replacement heater cores. I have a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, w/o rear heat, that I have completely torn the dash out and noticed that the heater core was quite rusted, so decided to replace it. What is the top replacement heater core since the factory core is no longer available? I bought a Spectra core but it just seem to fit right and is too short.

Reply Like

03-08-2018, 04:15 PM

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

Go have stock one repaired. If there is a "best" replacement I haven't found it.

Reply Like

03-08-2018, 05:04 PM

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

I don't think that the one in the 4runner is stock.

Reply Like

03-08-2018, 06:02 PM

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyobama

I don't think that the one in the 4runner is stock.

sure, i’ll Bite. Is climate control unit modified?

Reply Like

03-08-2018, 06:16 PM

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

sure, i’ll Bite. Is climate control unit modified?

No, it is not modified, at least I don't think it has been.

Reply Like

03-09-2018, 03:49 AM

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyobama

No, it is not modified, at least I don't think it has been.

it’s an oddball stock one. Take measurements of it to compare to replacement. I have found one that is same size but it wouldn’t mount to extension tubes. Have tried 4 different aftermarket units. This my experience leads to why my first post said take it to a radiator shop and have it repaired. I also had my extension tubes soldered to heater core.

Reply Like

03-11-2018, 02:43 PM

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

I have sent it to a radiator shop. They are going to acid clean it, fix an potential issues and pressure test it. I don't think that I am going to have it soldered. Do you happen to know what the part # or the size of the o-rings are?

Reply Like

Trending Topics

Gen1 4runner New Suspension

15

245
Body shake with top removed?

8

186
FREE Hood Strut Kit (90-95 4Runner/89-95 pickup)

6

305
1986 Toyota Pickup Brake Help

4

211
Tail light fuse blows when headlights are switched on.ights are tur

10

358

03-11-2018, 02:59 PM

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

15x2.5mm if memory serves. Its on an old post of mine, can google.

Reply Like

03-11-2018, 04:37 PM

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

15x2.5mm if memory serves. Its on an old post of mine, can google.

I am looking on McMaster Carr. Is there a particular type of O-Ring that I need to get?

Reply Like

03-11-2018, 04:42 PM

#10

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

If I remember silicon will work but hydrogenated silicon has a wider temp range

Reply Like

03-11-2018, 04:59 PM

#11

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

If I remember silicon will work but hydrogenated silicon has a wider temp range

Last question. The 15mm x 2.5mm o-rings. Is the 15mm the Inside Dimension? I really appreciate your help on this.

Reply Like

03-11-2018, 05:04 PM

#12

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

Believe so. But like I said find old post.

IMHO you should replace spring c clips that hold extension tubes to core. Guessing a dealer only part.

Reply Like

03-16-2018, 04:35 AM

#13

toyobama

Registered User

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

Believe so. But like I said find old post.

IMHO you should replace spring c clips that hold extension tubes to core. Guessing a dealer only part.

I ordered new 15mmX2.5mm o-rings from McMaster and new C-clips from Toyota. How do I get the tubes in now and the C-Clamps on? Those o-rings are definitely thicker than the ones that were on it before.

Reply Like

03-16-2018, 08:30 AM

#14

muddpigg

Registered User

iTrader: (1)

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Enterprise, AL

Posts: 4,374

Likes: 31

Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts

I used a table to set core on. Pressed the tubes on with force, as square as possible, Had one of my minion helpers slide clip on while I compressed o-ring. It is frustrating and tedious but stick with it.

Reply Like