How to change a heater core yourself

Tiny
JOANNE HERRON
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BUICK SKYLARK
Heater problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 199900 miles

I need instructions on how to change a heater core in this type of car. Thank you.
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 4:23 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

You must start by disconnecting the battery to avoid electrical problems when doing the job. Here is a guide that will give you an idea of what you are in for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

You will need to vacuum down and recharge the air conditioner system here is a guide for that as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
FIREFLY77
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1993 BUICK SKYLARK
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
Heater core has blown several times
the shop says that voltage is going through coolant between 3 and 6 volts
causing added pressure and blowing heater core
what would be a fix for this
The shop has replaced the heater core several times
does not work on real old vehicles that much
they did find a bulletin that original cores was brass and could hold additional pressure
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
First, I'm not sure why there is an electrical current in the coolant. There really isn't anything that should cause that. Also, it wouldn't cause additional pressure. The lid on the radiator is set to release pressure when it reaches a certain point, so excessive pressure shouldn't be an issue. However, if the lid is bad, it could cause additional pressure to build. Has the radiator cap been checked or replaced?
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That is call "electrolysis" and if happens when there is a ground problem somewhere and the current is finding it's way back the the battery ground by going through the cooling system. The root cause is usually a bad or missing body ground somewhere.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIREFLY77
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How can that eltrolysis occur and what kind of short can cause this.
Is this a known problem for older cars.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
I've already explained that.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BONNIEBUTLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1992 BUICK SKYLARK
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Heater problem
1992 Buick Skylark 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 160000 miles

How do I change the heater core?
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Does your car have air conditioning?
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BONNIEBUTLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1992 BUICK SKYLARK
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Heater problem
1992 Buick Skylark 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 160000 miles

How do I change the heater core in this buick?
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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_2685.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Graphic_692.jpg

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Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM (Merged)

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