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Vanwill · 02-26-2015, 11:02 PM

The heater core on my 2000 Dynasty 36 sprung a leak on the way to Quartzite this year. Temporarily, I just bypassed it. I even thought I might get by without it at all, but alas I need the defroster occasionally. So, I am about to order a replacement heater core and tackle what I think may be a real booger of a job.

I've already gotten a description of the replacement process from Walt2137 who did the job on his own 2000 Dynasty. He said it was such a miserable job that if he had it to do over, he might just forget about the heater. The problems were largely that 1) there was no reasonable access to the plastic enclosure housing the heater core, 2) that some screws holding the enclosure were all but impossible to reach, and 3) that the A/C connection had to be broken, necessitating replacing the dryer and having the system recharged.

But since I'm committed to replacing the core, I thought I'd ask if anyone has learned any sort of tricks to help in this difficult job. I've looked at it, and Walt is right--access is really miserable. I thought of removing the dash cover or even cutting an access hole in the top of the dash and closing it with something that looks "OEM". Anyone have any ideas?

Coma · 02-27-2015, 05:45 AM

I had a leak in mine. I took it to a shop, they rebuilt my core and did the install. ~$1800 as I recall, worth every penny.

86 Cavalcade · 02-27-2015, 05:45 AM

Van, I have a 2001 Diplomat and I took my heater core out about 3 years ago. I took it out in about an hour. I took the generator door off for better access and my heater core was in a plastic box attached to the firewall. It was attached with 5 or 6 square drive metal screws around the periphery of the box. I have pictures of the box after I took it out. The evaporator is also in this box. As you know none of these Monaco's are built the same. Good luck, George 2001 Diplomat

DtBt · 02-27-2015, 10:48 AM

I did my 99 Windsor a few years ago. With the correct nut driver it was not too bad. I think it took maybe two hours total. For $1800 I'll do yours too but you will have to bring it to the Keys. LOL

walt2137 · 04-16-2015, 07:59 PM

Guys it's a completely Different deal on the 2000 dyn, I also was able to remove heater core from a 99 diplomat without that Much trouble but on the Dyn it is a almost impossible job and you need to be a contortionist. The room between the front cap and the heater core is extremely close.

mchero · 04-16-2015, 09:46 PM

Whos the manufacturer of the unit Denso?

Papa_Jim · 04-16-2015, 10:46 PM

Van, I'm following you on this, 'cause I know you're going to come up with some ingenious ideas on how to do this job, and I know, I just know, that Murphy's law is telling me that my heater core is going to go. It just has to.

Jim

Vanwill · 04-17-2015, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

Van, I'm following you on this, 'cause I know you're going to come up with some ingenious ideas on how to do this job, and I know, I just know, that Murphy's law is telling me that my heater core is going to go. It just has to.

Jim

Easy way? I hope!! Walt is a very able mechanic and he said it is a BOOGER of a job.