I have a problem. I am getting moister from my heater core which means it's not in good shape. Instead of taking the dash out somebody suggested radiator stop leak. Any opinions on this? If so what kind of stop leak would work well. 99 Cherokee sport. 4.0 L.

 

Don't do it. It will clog up your entire cooling system.

And along with clogging your cooling system (which can also leave you with reduced or no heat) it likely won't work (at least long term) and you'll end up replacing the heater core anyways.

Yup, replacing the heater core isn't a fun job. I've done a few of them. Do your homework, read up on it and get a good step-by-step procedure before hitting it. Allocate a day to get it done if you haven't done it before.

 

If you are on a cross-country trip, and develop a slow leak, and can't get it repaired until you get to your destination, by all means, go ahead and use some stop-leak. Bars is the best I have found. It will probably get you where you are going and then you can repair things properly and flush that stuff out.

But otherwise, listen to TJ.

 

I figured that would be the answer. I just picked up a Hanes manual on the vehicle so hopefully that will be detailed enough to take out the dash. Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks again. John.

 

don't drink too much beer and use labeled ziploc bags to keep track of every nut/bolt/screw

 

Forget that Haynes rag. Get a pdf genuine Jeep factory service manual.


Go here and download the manual. Cheap.


http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/jeep_cherokee_service_manuals.html

 

What evidence is there that it is coming from the heater core?

 

Thanks that's very good advice. Especially the beer part.
QUOTE=Cane;3202096]don't drink too much beer and use labeled ziploc bags to keep track of every nut/bolt/screw[/QUOTE]

 

I have the same problem on my 98. A light fog of coolant on the windshield when I use the defroster. I'm constantly wiping the windshield with windex and a clean micro-fiber cloth, especially at night. Didn't notice it in the summer. This is a safety issue, as the fog on the windshield at night makes the glare of oncoming headlights unbearable. I'm not looking forward to this job. Expect to spend a few days doing it. And I hope I don't break anything going in and out of the dashboard.


P.S. good idea to change out your A.C. evaporator while you're in there unless you want to do this job twice in the lifetime of your Jeep.


Good Luck

 

Excellent point here......do this.