QuestionI have a 55 DeSoto that is leaking water from the heater core. Can you give me some advise in removing the heater core. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerYou have to remove the hoses from the heater input and output, then remove the outer sheet metal covers - which are held on with a series of screws around the seam between one half and the other half of the cover. Then the core can be seen, and you can get to the screws that hold it in place. Undo those, and it will come out.
You will have to remove the unit from the firewall first - it is too difficult to get at the screws that are up against the firewall unless you have the unit out on your workbench.
Most old time radiator shops can order a replacement core for you - they will need your old one because they will re-use the input and output tanks and hose connections. These are all soldered together, but they are quite used to dealing with that.
I'm sorry that I do not have books that give me a step by step procedure for doing this job, but I think it will be easy to see how to proceed by examining the heater. If not, you should obtain a factory shop manual for the car - if you don't already have one. It is essential in maintaining an old car and will pay for itself the first time you use it.
These are sold by any of the automobile literature dealers - I use Ed Faxon at www.faxonautolit.com, but there are many others.
Dick
