How do I Install a 1972 Chevy Pickup Heater Core?
A heater core is a small, aluminum device that provides the inside of your truck with heat. Hot radiator coolant is pumped through it, generating heat that is transferred into your cab when you pull the heater lever. The heater core in some vehicles can be very difficult, if not impossible, to replace without taking it to a professional mechanic. Fortunately, in a 1972 Chevrolet pickup, it is placed in an easy-to-reach spot under the hood, making installation a task that the average truck owner can accomplish.
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Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- 7/16-inch ratchet
- Phillips screwdriver
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Radiator coolant
Instructions
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1
Allow the truck to sit overnight to ensure the engine and coolant are completely cooled down. You can badly scald your skin working with hot engine coolant.
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2
Open the hood and locate the heater core. It is in the back of the engine compartment, mounted on the firewall connected to the cab on the passenger's side, with two skinny black hoses between it and the engine.
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3
Loosen and remove all bolts connecting the heater core cover, using the ratchet and Phillips screwdriver. There are five bolts and two screws. Place them in a safe place and remember where they came from.
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4
Place the bucket underneath the truck, directly beneath the heater core. Loosen the clamps on the hoses connected to the heater core, using the flat-head screwdriver. Pull the hoses off one at a time and point them into the bucket to catch the coolant that spills. Place them aside, facing up, so as not to lose excessive coolant. Remember which hose went to the top and which to the bottom of the heater core.
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5
Pull the heater core compartment up and away from the cab wall. Remove the two screws at the top and bottom of the heater core and pull it out of the back of the compartment. Set it aside. Coolant will pour from the heater core, so make sure to hold it over the bucket. Wearing the gloves, pull any debris, such as leaves and sticks, out of the compartment.
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6
Put the new heater core in the same place as the old one. Replace the screws and hoses, tighten the hose clamps and replace the bolts your removed. Remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator to the top to compensate for lost coolant. Replace the cap, start up the truck and watch the hoses to make sure they aren't leaking. If they are, tighten the clamps on the hoses even more.
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Tips & Warnings
These instructions can be used for any 1967 to 1972 Chevrolet pickup.
Radiator coolant needs to be disposed of properly. Pour any that spilled into the bucket into a container with a lid and take it to an auto shop.
Resources
- Photo Credit side of old truck image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
