Heater Core

[tjrockcrawler]

Jeep won't heat up as well as it should, I am thinking its the heater core. I know where its at (pass. side), just not exactly sure how to get it out to check it.

Any words of advice?

[Hokie_YJ]

What does the temp guage read? It could possibly be the thermostat stuck open. Many of them now are fail-safe and stick open when they go bad.

[Gordon]

Yup, and do you know whether you had a leak from the overheat at Dick Creek, maybe a small leak from the heater core.

You could try unhooking it, and back flushing it, but if it's weak, that could make it leak more.

It's also possible that it's airbound - did it just start doing it, in conjunction with having to add water?

[tjrockcrawler]

The temp runs just under 210 always.

The heep has never blown hot, just warm. Thought it was just the nature of the beast, but after riding with Aaron, something isn't right.

As far as the leak, I did notice that my pass side floor was moist constantly for a couple weeks leading up to the 1/19 Dick's Creek ride. I suspect thats were the fluid went, but not 100%.

[Adurbin]

I would say, based on the description, the fact that you mentioned that your passenger side floor board was wet the other day, and the fact that it hasnt affected the temp of the engine, it has to be the heater core.

[Hokie_YJ]

Around 210 is dead on for the temp., so it's probably not the thermostat.

[Hokie_YJ]

Yeah if the pass. floorboard is wet it's most likely the heater core leaking. I've had no experience with one on a TJ, I'm not sure how hard they are to get to. I'm sure it'll involve some type of contortionist move to get up under the dash though. :lol:

[Gordon]

Sure sounds that way. Ugh - ugly job this time of year. I have never done one on a TJ, so I can't say how hard - but I have never really done a super easy one. :cry:

[tjrockcrawler]

I'm sure it'll involve some type of contortionist move to get up under the dash though. :lol:

Good thing I'm really thin .......pshh...... :x

[Adurbin]

the only thing I see in a TJ that would really hinder the job is the fact that once the Glove box is removed, the Fuse panel is in the way.

[Hokie_YJ]

Yeah, you'll have no problems fitting up under there. :laughing1:

[partsjockey]

Heater core on a TJ looks worse than it is. You do have to drop the colum, and pull the dash out. But patience is key and keeping track of what went where. If your handy plan on bout 5hrs. I have a TJ service manual in .pdf format that your welcome to. The manual is a huge file but I may be albe to just email the pages on the heater core removal and related info.

[tjrockcrawler]

if you could email the WHOLE sha-bang to...

tjrockcrawler@gmail.com

that would be saa-weet!

[partsjockey]

My email wont let me send a 35mb attachment. Any Ideas

[partsjockey]

Found a solution, check your pm's.

[Bluegill]

First, you might want to be sure that fluid in the pass floorboard is really coolant. It should smell the same as taking the cap off the radiator, putting your nose next to it and taking a big whiff. Only one thing smells like antifreeze. :lol: Reason I say this is because TJ's are known for occasional leaks from the windshield & right front door seals, resulting in small amounts of rain water/dew/etc in the passenger floorboard. Mine has even done it a few times.

[tjrockcrawler]

I remember feeling the carpet...it didn't feel like water, if that makes any sense. I'll keep an eye out for the door seal issue though, thanks Rob.

I'll try and pull the core myself this weekend, hopefully in my grandfathers garage :lol: , unless someone wants to volunteer and help me?

[BillM]

I have no room in mine brother.