I leakes around the main body where the 2 pieces go together when the Heater is on. Do I need a new one or can I fix it?

 

Sounds like a replacement. Plastic part?

My factory one crumpled apart when I was working on something else about 7 years ago. Just replaced it again.

Saw a metal one at Morris or 4WD, was like $85. NAPA and everywhere else has the plastic ones for about $12 or so.

 

This one on my XJ now is a replacement from about 3 or 4 years ago .I Bought it from PepBoys.

 

Sounds like you need to replace it . Look around and see if you can find a well made one and maybe it will last longer .

 

You won't have that problem again. They are shutting down their retail side.

 

I don't think they closing the retail side , they just cut it back to save money . They closed down stores about ten years ago .

 

Why not just eliminate it and save the heartache? Later models just use a full flow core design.

 

Replace plastic ones every few years, spend bigger bucks for the all metal one or bypass it. FWIW later models came plumbed like that from the factory.

 

dave1123 is right. The heater control valve can be eliminated. I read about guys doing it all the time.
Even when you have a new one in place is still wants to leak there sometimes in the winter.
Guys used to refer to it as the "Winter Leaks". I figured it was from the plastic expanding and contracting with the changes in temperature.

 

Then the employees of the retail side are sadly mistaken and misinforming the customers. As are the signs all over the store and the rapidly emptying shelves.

 

How does that work? Just remove the valve, connect the lines with extensions, and control everything from the controller inside? Guess that little vacuum line needs to be plugged off too?

 

Yes, plug the vacuum line. I think you should replace the hoses with full lengths of solid hose. Less chance of a leak. This way the heater core becomes a thermostat bypass and allows the cabin to warm up faster.

 

I will BIPASS it. Does anyone have a Pic of what hose goes where in the fire wall ?

 

They are different sizes, so it is already figured out for us.

This thread has the flow diagram:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/coo...ection-245297/

 

Definitely eliminate it. I can take pics from my 95 if you want them.

The cheaper option is to use "by the foot" heater hose, but the easier option is to use the 97+ hoses. They are a direct fit and I can say without exaggeration that it literally looks like they were factory.

I used a small screw and some silicone in the vacuum line and then zip tied it off to the side on some wiring channels and it's been great for me for the last 2 years.