Heater core replacement

[Scotthw]

Hi guys i have to replace the heater core on my 04 liberty as the previous owner put stop leak threw to fix the rad and plugged the heater core i was reading its quite the job but i also read you can get away without removing the steering column is this true also any advice for doing this would be great as well
Thanks

 

[LibertyTC]

Welcome to the forums.
I found this heater core replacement Thread. https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/how-to-heater-core-replacement.59360/
Here is the factory service manual as well for an 05: http://www.colorado4wheel.com/manuals/Jeep/KJ/2005JeepKJServiceManual.pdf
Flush system the best you can first /drain & Ensure only Mopar Hoat or Zerex G-05 is used in the re-fill.
Hopefully others may chime in re this big task. Best-o-luck.

 

[DadOSix]

Is your core leaking or just plugged up?

might get by with a flush.

there is a YT floating around of doing a flush with clr.

it is a doable job to r/r the core. Dont have to drop / remove the column. I didn’t.
Not a fast job, but Doable.

Reason i asked if leak9ng -

if you have to go that far for the heater core, it might make sense to change out the ac core at the same time.

 

[Scotthw]

Its just plugged i got barely any heat i took it in and got it flushed but that didn't do anything i was told on here that they have a built in by pass and thats probably why it wont take a a flush

 

[jeepguy4276]

It is a big job. Not that hard though, just a lot of bolts and screws to remove. I lowered the column on mine just for ease of working on it but didn’t remove it. Was no big deal. It’s more of a time consuming task. Make sure your blend doors are working properly while you’re doing it. Or before as that causes low heat issues as well.

 

[jeepguy4276]

Since the coolant will be drained, you could do the water pump and thermostat since they’ll probably be damage and gunked up too. Might as well do it all now and put the proper coolant in.

 

[Scotthw]

It is a big job. Not that hard though, just a lot of bolts and screws to remove. I lowered the column on mine just for ease of working on it but didn’t remove it. Was no big deal. It’s more of a time consuming task. Make sure your blend doors are working properly while you’re doing it. Or before as that causes low heat issues as well.

Ok thanks

 

[Scotthw]

Since the coolant will be drained, you could do the water pump and thermostat since they’ll probably be damage and gunked up too. Might as well do it all now and put the proper coolant in.

Has new water pump and thermostat and rad as when i bought it it had overheating issues found out the rad was plugged took it to get flushed thats when they told me it had a hole in it and was plugged right up with stop leak so thats why im assuming the heater core is plugged like the rad was

 

[tommudd]

I would replace it all
water pump, thermostat, remove upper and lower hoses and check them etc
Stop leak is plain miserable to get it all out , anyone using it should have a swift kick to their .......................

 

[opelboy]

Hi guys i have to replace the heater core on my 04 liberty as the previous owner put stop leak threw to fix the rad and plugged the heater core i was reading its quite the job but i also read you can get away without removing the steering column is this true also any advice for doing this would be great as well
Thanks

My 06 heater core was leaking and the mechanics near me refused to take on the job. I watched a YouTube video, took lots of pictures as I took it apart, and bagged n tagged the bolts where they go. It took a whole day, but I got it. I replaced the core, and ac evaporator because it’s cheap and I don’t want to take it apart again. I also cleaned the big plastic vent assembly because it was really dusty. It improved the smell when you’re all done you’ll have to get your ac recharged, cost me $75.

 

[DHBirren2]

Pro Mechanic Tip
If you ever have a pinhole leak in your radiator, pour in two tablespoons of ground black pepper. It really works.

 

[tommudd]

Pro Mechanic Tip
If you ever have a pinhole leak in your radiator, pour in two tablespoons of ground black pepper. It really works.

and clogs up other things
if you have a leak anywhere, repair it right

 

[JeepinJarhead03]

I've made agitator bags several times, they come in handy from time to time- whether they effectively work or not largely depends on the type of buildup that's in the system. In a nutshell, you can plumb two boxed wine bags, or collapsible water bladders up to the heater core, get as much air out of the setup as possible where a majority of your flush fluid is in one bag, and the second bag contains as little as possible of anything, including air. Typical flushing only goes one direction, and when you reverse it, goes the other, with the bag setup, that change of direction is pretty effective at dislodging sediments and pulling them out of the system - similar to using a plunger. Overall, you're better off in the long term to do a replacement, but sometimes a second alternative can come in handy