HEATER CORE ISSUE

Tiny
SANDPLOVE2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
If antifreeze leaks in my passenger floor board, does that mean my heater core is bad? If so, how would I replace it on a 1987 buick lesabre? If anyone could please help. I am a single mother of 3 children and it is winter time and we have no heat!
Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 9:53 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Yes, heater core is the culprit. It requires removing the steering column and dash assembly to get the heater box out. That also means discharging and disconnecting the air conditioning system. This is a major job, not one for a do-it-yourselfer.

First check the heater hose connections at the firewall under the hood to be sure they're tight, but those will usually cause leakage onto the ground, not inside the car.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If it's leaking coolant on the passenger floor then yes you need a new heater core. Here is the instructions on how to replace it.
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Negative battery cable.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Right sound insulator
4. Center Instrument Panel (I/P) trim plate.
5. Lower I/P trim plate.
6. Wires and hoses from programmer.
7. Programmer linkage cover and linkage.
8. Programmer attaching bolts and programmer.
9. Heater core cover.
10. Splash cover to access heater hoses.
11. Heater hoses from heater core.
12. Heater core.
INSTALL OR CONNECT

1. Heater core.
2. Heater hoses.
3. Splash cover.
4. Heater core cover.
5. Programmer.
6. Programmer linkage and linkage cover.
7. Wires and hoses to programmer.
8. Lower Instrument Panel (I/P) trim plate.
9. Center I/P trim plate.
10. Right sound insulator.
11. Fill cooling system.
12. Negative battery cable.
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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
SANDPLOVE2010
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you all so much. I pretty much knew that the heater core was the problem. I will try to get it fixed asap. Thanks again.
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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome that's what were here for.
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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 2:52 PM

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