Ugh. Two weeks since my last adventure with my 1999 Maxima (no start when hot, long previous thread, but solved the issue) and now ...


Got four new struts and springs (got 'em on eBay; my struts went out about a year and a half ago and couldn't afford the parts to fix, been riding on the springs since). Got the whole assembly because my springs are well worn due to heavy use, plus it looks easier to replace the whole thing vs. keeping old springs.

Anyways, before I was going to do that, I heard a grinding noise by the serpentine belt, thought it was the tension pulley. Took off the belt and spun the different wheels and crap if it wasn't the A/C compressor. Replaced it over two years ago, so I know how to do it, but it kinda' ruined my morning to discover a more expensive and detailed part. **SIGH**

So, I went on-line and ordered one to be sent, will take me a few days before I get it. Also ordered the A/C receiver/dryer to replace at the same time. Planning on just evacuating system into air (it's 134a), replacing parts, then taking it to A/C shop buddy to evacuate the system before I recharge it. Compressor I ordered comes pre-packed with oil, so I should be good there.

Then, I decided that while the car isn't working, heck, let's do some preventative maintenance. My heater hoses were looking a bit swollen, so I went to replace them.

Now the fun begins. These things were so swollen, I had to put a lot of **UMPH** to break them loose. That was fine for the metal connector by the engine, but when it came to the Heater Core pipes ... they snapped off right at the firewall. They were plastic!!!!!

Oh, __________.


To get to my point, here's my question:

I've found those pipes on-line and have ordered them (only $22). Once they get here, the big question is how the heck to get at the heater core.

I've read quite a few threads here, and I've seen two different opinions on how to do this.

1. Remove entire dash. PIMA!!!!!
2. Remove glove box, then remove cooling unit (with evaporator), then can reach heater core.


I would LOVE to find out that #2 above is good advise. I'm going to be evacuating the A/C system anyways when I change my compressor, so I could care less about having to remove the evaporator to reach the heater core.

Reminder: this is a 1999 Maxima.

Will this work? Could someone post some photos for me? I've tried looking in the service manual and was having a hard time finding anything.

I'll deal with the struts after I can get these two things going. Need belt back on and engine cooling more than I need suspension.


Like I said, it will take me a few more days to get the parts, then game on!

 

Deleted.

 

Just broke one of mine the other day. Trying to get it out of the hose to measure for alternatives to replacement (copper pipe couplers), just crumbled to pieces.

You can remove the evaporator core and access the heater core pipes, but at the junkyard I was unable to remove them with the heater box still in place.

I've got one coming in (luckily, retail pricing on them is ~$20/piece), and will probably make a video of replacement. Hopefully I'll be able to do it without removing the dash.

 

Those pipes are $4.00 each at the dealer!!

http://www.nissanpartszone.com/Page_...eName=270_A001

I have never had to mess with the heater core, but I have been close to it.

I have removed the dash and it really isn't that bad. I did it by my self and took my time, so it did take a few hours, mainly because I was taking a lot of photos. A few months after that, I helped another org member who had never pulled a dash out with his car and the 2 of us had the dash out in 15 minutes. He had the radio out all ready, but that is only a 5 minute thing. See this thread:

https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...dashboard.html

I wanted to remove the big plastic box that the heater core is mounted in, but when I realized that I needed to pull the a/c lines and drain the cooling system, I put all the bolts back in and looked for an alternate solution for my particular problem, which was not heater core or a/c related.

I think you could probably leave the dash in and just pull the evaporator core out and get to it. Another org member, Pmohr, has a video on pulling the evaporator care and he didn't remove the dash. It would just be tight working quarters to get at the heater core. Pmohr's video:

part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuJA...2C64F&index=24

part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NImw...E3C3345DC2C64F

 

What is it you're looking at? The heater core pipes (part code 27025M, PN 92231-40U00) retail @ $25.98/each.

 

opps! I goofed. I slipped a line and used the packing for the pipe.

 

If you watch my video, at 7:17 you can see both heater core pipes (brown plastic going through firewall). You can get the screws out pretty easily, but I was unable to actually remove them.

Like I said, I'll be making a replacement video, just depends on when my parts come in (should be tomorrow, hopefully).

 

Video is encoding now, but yes, you can replace the heater core pipes without pulling the dash.

It also looks possible to replace the heater core without replacing the dash, though I didn't try to pull it out while I was there (last thing I need is to break the other damn pipe).

I'll try to remember to post here when the video's up, but if I forget, watch my YT channel for the vid.

 

^^^^
Glad to see you back on here.

 

Video's up, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBw-rqTB604

Thanks, it's...been a while.

 

great video.

What I will do when I have a hard time getting to a screw, is that I will replace it with a hex head screw so I can use a socket and a u-joint. Do you think this might help in this situation? That was pretty tight.

 

I doubt it, given the clearance of the head of the screw to the pipe itself. I don't think you'd have any room to get a hex head screw in there, much less get a socket on it.

 

I just broke my top heater hose connector...about .75" in was still sticking out of the firewall. I definitely did not to disassemble the dash. I jerry-rigged a 90 deg. elbow and a 5/8 to 3/4 heater hose connector and epoxied both together and then epoxied to the I.D. of the broken off heater hose connector. Everything works fine and been driving for the past month.

If you're interested, I can snap a picture.

 

Thank you so much for all the great information! Because I'm already doing the A/C compressor and discharging the system, it really doesn't matter that I'll have to remove evaporator.

Parts should be here this week (delayed with holiday). When I get them all, it will be quite a weekend, but I will post my results here to help the community and others who might have problems.

Summary of work to be done:

1. Discharge A/C system
2. Replace A/C compressor
3. Replace A/C dryer
4. Remove glove box
5. Remove evaporator
6. Remove heater core
7. Replace heater core pipes
8. Re-install heater core, then evaporator, then glove box
9. Evacuate and re-charge A/C system


Next weekend will be the shocks and struts. Yea!

 

FWIW, you don't have to remove the heater core (actually, you'd have to remove the pipes to do so).

 

Well, crud, I guess I should have watched the video as soon as you posted it, because then I would have realized that I'm an idiot and only got one of the two pipes I'll need.

Also should have read the description a bit more carefully on eBay. I thought I was buying a set, but when I got it in the mail, it was only one pipe (of course).

I've since ordered another one, will be here next week. Even thought the lower one has not broken (but then again, I haven't tried to take off the hose yet) I figure if I'm evacuating and re-charging the A/C that it would be foolish of me not to replace them both while I'm in there.

Since I really can't do it until I get the second pipe in the mail, guess I have to wait to do the repair and post the results here.

But after watching the video, that is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you so much for the assist!!!! You guys (and gals) are awesome!

 

Success!!!!

Just as advertised, removed glove box (used hacksaw to cut out plastic strip across bottom, but that's ok because metal strip will re-secure base), removed evaporator core, and got right at those pipes!!!

I didn't have any problem with the screws, but that's because I'm skinny and got most of my upper body down there; had a bit of a head rush afterwards, but everything else ok.

Also, I used a very small philips screw driver that I use for my REAL hobby. I'm a G.I. Joe nut (original 82-89), and need a small screw driver to take them apart to remove and replace the "O" ring when in breaks. Same screw driver worked perfect to get in this tight area.

Now just need to take it to the shop and have A/C evacuated and re-charged.

Thanks again, everyone!

 

CONGRATULATIONS !!! Nice Job and thank you for the pics.

 

been awhile pmohr glad to see you back on the pages
OP glad you got the issue fixed

 

What is the part name of the plastic coupler at the other end of the heater core inlet? I snapped that today, and it kind of relates.

 

Depends on your production date (assuming '95 model as in your profile).

If 02/94-11/94, 92230-40U01, $119.30 retail, $89.48 @ courtesy

If 12/94-11/95, 92230-40U02, $113.68 retail, $85.26 @ courtesy.

 

Thanks Pmohr, always helpful, you are.

-T