Hello,

Someone has bypassed the heater core (ie. no coolant running through the cabin).

I image they would have done it because there was a coolant leak in the cabin. I will need to rectify this before I take the car over the pits.

Is there another reason to bypass the heater?

How can you test to check if there is a leak and how do you replace the heater core?

Does the whole dashboard need to be removed and how do you remove the dash (where all the screws are and what is the best way (order) to take the dash off without damaging anything)?

Any input is appreciated.

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Plug the heater lines back in and if coolant flows out of the heater core, you have a leak.yes whole dash needs to be removed as the heater core sits at the back. You have most of the stuff out of the way, just remove the screws

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Marti


Car: C Red S13 Silvia 2.3l 400+rwhp-SOLD
Daily ae82 4age corolla (light mods)-Sold
Daily:SWB GQ Patrol
Will be a 03-04 STI next

Heater box removal is a fairly epic job. Dash out, steering column dropped down, steering support beam removed, console out, airbag control unit removed (special tools required) air con de-gassed etc. Over a grand at a workshop, not really a DIY unless you're fearless, patient and have a really good set of tools.

Another method just to get the car over the pits would be to block the hoses and temporarily reconnect them to 'appear' as though the heater is functional. In hot weather there's a good chance they won't actually test it. Don't go to the pits with coolant leaking from the box though, it'll smell inside the cabin and steam the windscreen.

They do check that the demister is working and it must spit out hot air. Another way you could solve the issue (worked on my pulsar) is adding some of that cargo stop leak to cooling and hoping it blocks the leaking heater core untill the car pass inspection

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Marti


Car: C Red S13 Silvia 2.3l 400+rwhp-SOLD
Daily ae82 4age corolla (light mods)-Sold
Daily:SWB GQ Patrol
Will be a 03-04 STI next

I would like to fix the problem as I have the whole car pretty much gutted. What specialised tools are required apart from the special container to capture the gas from the ac system and torx T30, T40 bits? The manual isnt really clear when it comes to removing the dash and would like to have a bit of an idea before i start taking it apart.

Marti if you recall this is the same car that I posted a video to diagnose engine sound.

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanic...ess-sound.html

Im planning to do a build blog detailing how to put it all together. In a nutshell, it has spun both 1 and 2 bearing.

Ohhhhhhh ok, I haven't removed an 02 dash for sometime, you will need to vac the ac down properly, torx bits are used for the air bag if I remember correctly. The dash is held in by normal Phillips head screws

__________________
Marti


Car: C Red S13 Silvia 2.3l 400+rwhp-SOLD
Daily ae82 4age corolla (light mods)-Sold
Daily:SWB GQ Patrol
Will be a 03-04 STI next

The Airbag control module has security Torx bits with a dick in the centre, normal Torx tools don't fit. You need the correct hollow ended Torx to suit. Other than that it's just calling a mobile A/C degas guy to come and reclaim the gas from the system.

anti-tamper torx, or cleverly positioned vice grips if you come across screws that have been hacked apart.

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Long live the WRC

Get a pack from repco for $20... Had to get them when I was gutting my 2000

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Wide Body GC8 WRX
#217 Street Cars WA
Full 04 STi drivetrain
08 JDM 207
Garrett 3076 xtr

Guys I need some help regarding compatibility. I have removed the heater core and it does have a bad leak. I've found a couple of second hand replacements (has the whole assembly not just the heater core) for $130 delivered from SA. They from a 2001 and a 2005 GDB sti. First of all will the sti one work in the wrx (i dont see why not, it should be the same system) and two will the 2005 work in the 2002 bugeye? It it fits i would prefer to have the newer one.

Side note: I got the heater core out the dodgy way (the pipes go "bendy" perm.) so when i put the new one in I will do it properly which means i have to remove everything and I mean everything to get to the bloody thing (including degas).

Ill be an expert by the time im finished so if anyone needs to know where the bits and piece live, let me know.