First time post. How difficult is it to remove heater core from my 99 4Runner? I currently have a leak coming from a small metal tube that protrudes from the firewall. Nothing is connected to it, I am assuming it is a drain. Look forward to your input.

 

That wouldn't be the drain for the AC would it?

What kind of fluid is it? Coolant? Water? ATF?

 

If it's leaking clear water that'll probably be it, if it's your heater core it'll leak coolant, and the level in the system will go down.

 

Thanks for the input. It appears clear, however it has a oily feel to it, and yes the coolant tank was low. Is this a big job to replace.

 

This is a BIG job. I had to have mine replaced last December..TWICE..to the tune of $1500 each time. The whole dash has to come apart, and the heater box out.

 

im currently goin to an automotive school in C.T. and i just happened to finish heating and air condisioning, if ur a/c system is a r-134 then the clear oily substance is ur PAG oil, the heater core isnt all that hard to replace but it involes takin out the whole dash, the drain is usually coming out of the fire wall in the engine compartment, the heater core box isnt hard at all its only 6 screws