So finally had a chance to get the heater core out and changed in a 2000 Disco 2.
Yes, its not for everyone, but if you are systematic and can fellow instructions as per Rave and not get frustrated then you can do it.
First off, I do have to agree with several comments earlier by others that it is a poor design when compounded with the age of the vehicule.
Yes, the dash has to come out but it's not that hard, just a lot of bolts.
Some of the tips or tricks, you might want to use.
I didn't remove the radio or any of the hardware in the centre of the dash. The centre console came out. You do not have to take the steering wheel off, just take of the 4 steering column bolts and drop the whole assembly on the seat.
Once you have the dash out of the way the heater core needs to be pushed out slightly. Loosen and take off all the fitings. Go inside engine compartment and pull on the hose ends to pull them into the engine compartment slightly. Pull the old core with a Vise grip a little more, since the core is out slightly bend it towards the rear of the vehicule. This will give you enough clearance to get the pesky hoses out.
To get it back in, slide it in but not all the way, then fit the pipes...loose fit...before you push it in. Make sure your clamps are in place before you pussh the core all the way in. Once the core is in you will have to go back to the engine compartment and push the coolant pipes back into the vehicule. It moves only slightly but just enough to get the coolant pipes in and out of the core.
Once everything is in and tightened, do a leak test. Mine leaked at first, so I had to wiggle the pipes in a little more, and retighten everything. I ran in for a few hours and it seems like it's not leaking. I do however still hear some air bubbles going through the system.
Once I bleed everything, I hope it will not leak.
Yes, its not for everyone, but if you are systematic and can fellow instructions as per Rave and not get frustrated then you can do it.
First off, I do have to agree with several comments earlier by others that it is a poor design when compounded with the age of the vehicule.
Yes, the dash has to come out but it's not that hard, just a lot of bolts.
Some of the tips or tricks, you might want to use.
I didn't remove the radio or any of the hardware in the centre of the dash. The centre console came out. You do not have to take the steering wheel off, just take of the 4 steering column bolts and drop the whole assembly on the seat.
Once you have the dash out of the way the heater core needs to be pushed out slightly. Loosen and take off all the fitings. Go inside engine compartment and pull on the hose ends to pull them into the engine compartment slightly. Pull the old core with a Vise grip a little more, since the core is out slightly bend it towards the rear of the vehicule. This will give you enough clearance to get the pesky hoses out.
To get it back in, slide it in but not all the way, then fit the pipes...loose fit...before you push it in. Make sure your clamps are in place before you pussh the core all the way in. Once the core is in you will have to go back to the engine compartment and push the coolant pipes back into the vehicule. It moves only slightly but just enough to get the coolant pipes in and out of the core.
Once everything is in and tightened, do a leak test. Mine leaked at first, so I had to wiggle the pipes in a little more, and retighten everything. I ran in for a few hours and it seems like it's not leaking. I do however still hear some air bubbles going through the system.
Once I bleed everything, I hope it will not leak.
