Heater core removal 89 Chieftain

[IamJerryP]

Anyone know the procedure for removing a heater core from an 89 Chieftain.
It appears as if it can be done from the front, rather than the dash, but the seam in the front has been factory sealed with caulk.

[ladagobago]

Originally Posted by IamJerryP

Anyone know the procedure for removing a heater core from an 89 Chieftain.
It appears as if it can be done from the front, rather than the dash, but the seam in the front has been factory sealed with caulk.

take the opportunity to do a google search.
I did and less that 30 seconds multiple sites came up.

99 Chieftain heater core replacement
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/dash...ing-59298.html

This is a very common leak and it may take some time but suggest it is very straight forward if you follow some of the insturctions. Call Winnebago, they can tell you what manufacturer of the heater is in your MH.

[IamJerryP]

Originally Posted by ladagobago

take the opportunity to do a google search.
I did and less that 30 seconds multiple sites came up.

99 Chieftain heater core replacement
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/dash...ing-59298.html

I actually spent over an hour looking for it through Google search, along with searching the archives of this list, however, what you refer me to, is a 1999 model, and also a diesel engine, plus having already read that link, I can tell you that is does not tell how to remove it, or whether to go in from the front , or the back side.

Already read the 02 journey, and the majority of that is how to pull off the nose cone
Having seen this same treatment on other questions asked by people, this forum was my last choice of venues to seek help on.

So thanks for your condescending chastisement, but it is not needed, nor helpful.
I will figure it out myself, if this is what i get for asking a question on a forum for asking questions.

[ladagobago]

Sorry - you didn't say you already looked but found it not useful. I thought I was helping but guess not. From what I read in the past it is doable but a pain.
GOod Luck

[George Schweikle]

Do you have a GM front engined gas chassis?. My '99 Safari Trek had a leaking heater core, and another owner posted a replacement process where you cut a piece out of the plastic housing with the blade on an electric soldering iron. This allows access to the heater core, then the removed piece if fastened back with duct tape or HVAC aluminum tape. MUCH easier than removing lots of components. See Mill Supply | Snow Plow Parts - Stepvan Parts - Mower Parts - Autobody Restoration Parts | Mill Supply, Inc. for heater cores. This is a stepvan site, and the GM motorhome chassis is descended from the stepvan.

Originally Posted by IamJerryP

Anyone know the procedure for removing a heater core from an 89 Chieftain.
It appears as if it can be done from the front, rather than the dash, but the seam in the front has been factory sealed with caulk.

[cc8375]

Ditto to George above on cutting the box open, owned a similar Chieftain but never replaced the heater core.

But have used a Oscillating Power tool to cut the Box. Easy to use and handle.
Oscillating Multifunction Power Tool w/ Variable Speed

[Mutt]

I replaced the heater core on my 99 Itasca. I assume the Chieftain is similar. When you lift the front panel you shold see the heater core cover. It will have a lot of the spray foam covering the edges. To get to the screws all of the foam will need to be removed. It will probably be tight but you can remove the screws especially if you have access to a small air wrench. I ordered the replacement core from the manufacturer in Dallas Texas. Be sure to get some small corks to plug the heater hose if you can't park the front of the MH uphill. Coolant will run out if any is remaining in the system. Just be patient and pray before you start. David.

[IamJerryP]

Found some service manuals on line on another forum, they still do not address the removal, did find a couple of picture of similar units, an while it was not explained, I sensed the front is best to access it.
So, I took a few minutes to pull the passenger dash off, and look at going that way, but it appear the bet way will be to go at it from the front.
seems like there are 12 -16 screws, and a caulked seam to remove, to get to it.
a couple of the phillips screws are rusty and stripped out so I may grind them off

Cutting it out is a very likely option I am considering, and seems more likely all the time. I have an oscillating saw, dremel, and a soldering iron.
Too cold yesterday to put much time into it, hands got too cold.

here is a picture of it

[IamJerryP]

Got it went in from the front.

[cc8375]

Great Job.... your almost done!!

[IamJerryP]

For those interested, I found a replacement core, that had different inlet, and outlet shape.
94.00
Heater Core
Tomorrow I will check on the cost to repair.