Should I replace the heater core? could it be something else? Has anyone replaced/repaired the heater or heater core? Any Tips? Suggestions? I found a heater core for $27 at www.leakycar.com. Not sure this is related, but my heater started leaking after I put a smaller pulley on the water pump, to run it faster and keep the new rebuilt engine a little cooler. Engine runs cooler at 220 but wonder if pushing the antifreeze a little faster could have caused more pressure and a heater core leak. Harold 76 Mav 302
Harold, Are you sure that the leak is the heater-core and not just a hose or something? Do the windows fog up???? Can you smell anti-freeze inside the car??? These are pretty tell-tale signs of a leaking heater-core... I changed one out once, but I don't remember any of the details. It must have been fairly straight forward. I do remember that there are only like 3 or 4 studs which protrude through the firewall that hold the entire heater/AC unit in the car. Once you get it out, it shouldn't be any trouble figuring out how it comes apart to exchange the core. I do vaguely remember that trying to line up the studs with the holes in the firewall was a bear, but I was doing it by myself. Get a buddy to help you with this..you'll thank yourself in the end. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
harold, maybe some of the others on this board can give some input, but i think that 220 is running a bit hot. any others can let us know what you're temp. is
Harold; if your Mav runs at over 200-205, it is too hot. Should run about 180-200 for the proper temp. I run a 190degree stat, and it stays about there, going to 200 if I get down on it or let it idle for a while, but never over 200. BTW, you can remove the clips on the front of the core cover, below the dash, and remove the core from the front, without removing the heater unit. If you do, get the wiring, sealing, control and vacuum wire controls correct, or you will have world of hurt to contend with. If you look in AutoKrafters catalogue, they have the complete shop manual for all years of Mavericks, and they are about $50. Best money I ever spent on my Mav. Check it out, Earl
I second those shop manuals! I don't know much know about mechanics, but let me tell you, I learned a lot from those books. The set I have is a used set that has five books!
There's a long article, complete with pictures, on another website. Try this link: http://www.cometclub.com/ Page down and click on "rebuilding the heater box" One valuable tip is how to remove the clips that hold the heater box together. Don't stick a screwdriver under the clip in the middle (where the 2 sides of the heater box meet), stick it in one of the curved sides and pry up. It's hard to explain, just check the article. Even though it says cometclub, this link takes you to a page titled "The restoration of a 1964 Falcon Sprint Convertible." There's also an article on restoring the driver's side fresh air vent. Tom
