Anybody ever replace the heater core in a 2nd gen? My '87 seems to have a small leak in the heater core, keep finding drops of coolant on the passenger floor area. I've been hearing it's real pain to do, any alternatives?

 

never done a maxima, but they're a pain in any car.

By looking at my manual, I feel bad for you. I would set aside 1 full day, a 12-pack and a pack of smokes or some herb.

 

The FSM will be needed for sure. Likely the entire dash has to come out to replace it. You'll need at least 1 case of beer, and really good herb. Plan a weekend.

 

Bars leak.

I would only do this if the car was on it's last leg. If you care about it, then prepare for the misery of tearing that thing apart.

I hate things like this. Not that i don't enjoy working on my stuff, but it's the **** that pops up when you're deep into it.

 

Yeah as was mentioned its a big job....FSM would be your best friend...and I'd have to agree that when its all said and done, you are looing at 8-12 hours worth of work...if you can get a friend to help you out, it'll make the time go by a little faster...

If you just dont want to do it, you could always just bypass the core by connecting the two heater hoses....with summer here, its not to big a deal, BUT remember that you will not have any heat if the need should arise...

 

where do you live? Does it get cold enough to use the heat? If not just bypass it. Or if you do need heat and don't want to go though replacing the core then bypass it and use a electic heater in the car. You could get one that plugs into the cig lighter, or get a power inverter and plug one in that way. I don't think either of those ways would work as well as the heater core being functional but they are options.

I never did a heater core on my second gen but I have done one on my cherokee and yes it is a time consuming project but it was really not too hard.

 

I had an FSM too. I tossed it about two weeks ago doing some house cleaning. Shoulda kept it, I wouldve just given it to ya.

 

Heater core is located just behind and below the radio. You will have to remove the center console to access it.

 

if you can wait tilll tomorrow (sunday mid day) ill post up pics from the fsm...