I have searched my manual looking for directions on how to replace a heater core for my 85' RX7 I have not found anything that tells how. I need to know any watch-outs and helpful hints. I am afraid this will be a long procedure that involves tearing the whole dashboard out?

Thanks in advance.

 

Yup, dash comes out and then the heater core has a few bolts that hold it into place. On a side note you might as well replace all the heater hoses and coolant hoses (same thing) while you are doing it.

 

I did mne took about 2 days but that was because i didnt replace the hoses. had to take it back apart and replace those.

 

The whole dash HAS to come out. Then the heater box. Then you open the heater box and whala...your heater core lies inside.

Helpfull hints: dont waste time removing things like heater control switches, guage cluster, radio, etc....If you drop the steering column by removing the two bolts behind the ign switch, remove bolts from outer ends of pass, and drivers side, bolts from under the radio, and up near the windshield, the whole thing comes out as one piece. Label and disconnect wires using the larger connectors; separating the two wiring harnesses.

BTW- make sure it is in fact your heater core. I replaced mine only to find out that it was the heater control valve located on the drivers side of the outside of the heater core. It would only leak on medium temps. The heater control valve is usually the culprit. If you have a right angle phillips wrench or whatever, it is possible to replace it without removing anything. To do this you must be a contortionist and be able to lie on your back with your face crammed against the accelerator pedal for an hour....

My recommendation is have the heater running in different temp modes and inspect the heater control valve and if thats not it peer into the holes of the heater box. You can get a partial view of the heater core there. Have fun..