I tried searching but I couldn't find anything on heater core removal on the first gen. Any links or advice on this? And I think im just gonna buy a new core if possible.....

 

Leaks? Make sure its not just the heater control valve that is the culprit. If its the core, since the heater box needs to be split open (2 halves), I am trying to imagine how that could be done without removing the dash assy first? Maybe if the front defrost-hose panel can be removed, there is enough room to slid it out the passenger side? Might want to look at a parts-book exploded view to see all the bits and mount points…

Stu
80GS
Alaska

 

Where would that be located? And I thought you might be ale to drop it without moving the dash since its kinda hanging on the passenger side.....

 

The heater core is in the center directly behind the radio surround. The easiest way is to remove the dash, its not as bad as it seems, waay easier than trying to get it out with the dash in.

I second the advice to check the heater control valve, its on the left side of the heater core box and just above the gas pedal, I would hate to see you remove the whole dash only to find its the valve leaking.

 

My carpet is pretty wet on the passenger side and dry on the drivers..... would that mean its not the valve then? I hope that helps narrow it down. I wondered if maybe its a split line that enters the cabin from the engine bay? I really appreciate the help guys. Will be doing an engine and tranny swap as well so got some fun ahead. haha

 

A broken valve will result in hot coolant spewing out onto your gas pedal foot whenever you hit the gas - ask me know I know!

Your leak on the passenger side could be a number of things, not the least of which is either the heater line input or output lines which run through the firewall in that location. I'd take a VERY close look at both of those lines to be sure they're intact before you start trying to dismantle the heater core. Inside the engine bay, you can see they're right next to each other slightly to the passenger side of the firewall center. The one closest to the passenger side of the car is the return to the radiator, and the other is the inlet from the rear housing, just below the oil filter tower, which goes to the valve.

If you do take out the heater core, please post some pictures - as I'm sure we've all wondered how hard it is to get in there and replace it. In my case, I bypassed the heater entirely by blocking the rear housing and the radiator bung because I live in the AZ desert and have enough heat throughout the year to last me all winter and then some. My A/C actually works better without any additional heat from the core, too. Good luck,

 

Not sure if this will be of any help or not. Hopefully though!

www.RX7fb.com ? Login

 

Thanks longduck.... when we start pulling the engine ill check the lines.... will prolly just bypass the lines for now if its not one of those..... my line from the rear to the valve expanded and blew a few years ago but it happened so close to the block i just cut the bad piece off and reinstalled it... very possible it happened again only inside the car this time.
And JSmall, is that an invite to the rx7fb.com forum? it just takes me to the login page.

 

Ahh didn't realise you had to log in. Join up and take a look if you want. There is some pretty good info on there for these cars. Not trying to steal members from this forum incase any admins are wondering!