AC is evacuated, and I was told the system had already been converted to R134a. I'll be bundled up like Ralphy for my drive home tomorrow

 

This job is kickin my ***. Two of the studs for the box support are turning with the nuts. The upper dash bolts are under the dash vents which have one screw that I can just barely get to. I'm glad I have the next couple days off...

 

Let them turn and come loose. Remove them later.

There is only need to remove ONE dash attaching fastener.

 

Turn to nuts backward and the stude will unscrew from the box. When the box is removed you can get at the studs from the inside.

 

Thanks, Cruiser. I owe you countless IPAs for all the help over the years. I have the core replaced, and the box is propped up waiting to be secured. I needed a snack break lol I'll have it back together in another hour or two.

 

I was gonna say 4 hours before I saw this post. So right in that area. My worst one was on a Voyager with AC (I believe it was a voyager), was a long time ago. I got 400 bucks for doing the job and took me 4 hours, pulled out the whole assembly, did the work on the bench then reassembled. A drill with driver bits helps.

You discovered the leak while changing the coolant so it was likely already there and you just had opportunity to spot it. Use spec premix antifreeze or mix your own 50/50, use distilled water only. That should help to slow such corrosion.

** Note: The actual optimal mix is 49/51 but I do not remember which was water and which was antifreeze. Been 35 yrs since mechanic school!

Also you can of course bypass the heater core if you wish to go without heat. Use a couple hose clamps and anything that fits properly in the hose. Pipe, pvc, a old socket, whatever so long as it's temporary in some cases.

 

Everything is back together and warm.

 

I try to keep it around 70% antifreeze in the winter here. 50/50 has a freezing point at -34F; it usually drops to -40F or more a few days out of our winter.