rotary help? (Possible cracked heater core)
 

Hey, I have been told that the 2nd gen. car has a cracked heater core, and if it is true, will i have to replace/rebuild the motor? I am looking at the car ATM, and if the motor needs a rebuild/a replacement(Or an exspensive fix) i probably won't pick it up, but, who knows.... heh, it allready needs a new windshield, because the one in there is cracked.... The chassis seems straight, and the transmission should be good, if the heater core IS cracked, is it worth it to buy a 90 2nd gen N/A rx-7 for 4000>? The price seems fairly steep, and i am trying to get the price down.... the body will most likely need a new paintjob also..... it was parked upon the asumption of a cracked heater core, and was hit by a riding lawn mower, causing a few big scratches in the quarter panel. Thanks for the peek guys, and hopefully i will get good info back :-D

i was under the impression the heater core is a mini radiator lookin thing that is in the cab with a fan to blow the hot air in your face, if this is the prob, and it is under the dash, it would be a pita, but not an engine rebiuld prob. now if he means the iron that the heater core hoses come off, then it would most likely be a teardown to replce the damaged iron. maybe something to ask the guy that is selling the car. one would cost less that 500, where the other would prolly cost a couple thousand. ask the guy to show you the crack, if he shows you on the keg(engine block) its a rebiuld. also ask if the reason it needs a rebiuld is because it overheated hardcore when the core blew. that could cause all sorts of probs with the motor. anyone back me up on this for the newbie?

No doubt
 

Heater core is a miniature rad, up under the dash. That's what gives you heat in the car. I've read many posts on this subject, and they all say the ENTIRE dash has to be removed to get the core out.

Unless the core went, and the car was driven till it ran out of coolant and overheated, a blown heater core has virtually nothing to do with a rebuild.

Usually a good indication of a blown core is a greasy residue on the front window that is actually coolant that converted to steam, and then condensed. Also, you can get puddles of coolant seeping out from under the dash.

Rx's have a water valve to turn the water flow on and off, and in my reading it is quite common for this valve to go, rather than the core itself. This can be seen with a flashlight above and to the right of the gas pedal. Do a search and you can find pictures and instructions for heater core removal.

$4k for a 90 that needs paint, and possibly a motor seems like a lot.