Just placed an order or two for my 98 XJ. I've been dealing with a coolant leak somewhere so I've decided to replace the radiator with a CSF dual core, new hoses, new flow Kooler water pump and a new radiator cap too. I recently put in a Napa water pump but noticed when I had my serpentine belt off, there is some play in the bearing.

Now the reason I had my serpentine belt off is due to the damn mechanical fan pulley bearing, or better known is the A/C compressor bracket. Left me stranded 2 hours from home on Friday night. I opted to purchase a new one of these from the jeep dealer at a price of $280. I just don't trust junk yard parts. Also from jeep i got a new emergency break lever $94, talk about bending over.

I had a thread a while back about a no heat situation due to a plugged heater core. I managed to flush back flush over and over again to get the heat working, but I've finally decided I'm going to change it. Like i said I've had a coolant leak somewhere and I get an occasional smell of coolant in the cabin. I imagine with having to add fresh water and coolant it has caused to heater core to corrode.

This is what happens when I brake down, I fix and replace everything even if it didn't need it. I start working on it tonight, my biggest task I believe will be changing the heater core. I've been doing some research and it sounds like the lower dash needs to come off and then the right side of the HVAC unit will come out gaining access to the heater core. Is this possible without having to evacuate (ha) to refrigerant? I've found a few good threads for this but they all seem to be on older XJ's. Any pointers, links, or tips will be greatly appreciated. I imagine I will find out more tonight! Wish me luck

 

any idea how these buggers come apart

 

Get some AC/fuel line quick disconnects from your local auto store.

 

Some update photos from tonight's work. I managed to get the radiator and water pump off as well. The dash wasn't really hard to get apart, it just took a long time. lots of screws, lots of screws. I hope I can figure out how it goes back together. if i can give any advice at all it at this point it would be, do not be scared, just start taking stuff apart. À few beers and a can of Copenhagen later you will have it out.

 

 

So does anyone know how to get the HVAC unit out of the jeep. I don't appear to have the same screws as I've seen in other threads. Who knows maybe I just need to dig a little deeper under the hood. Does the blower motor need to be removed? Should i just leave it in and try to separate the two halves in the car? Any links to pictures of this model HVAC and how to take it apart. Not being lazy just haven't found what I'm looking for

 

any idea where this goes, came came out of the inside of the hvac unit. Can seem to see where it fits anywhere

 

Any help with the above pic I'm stumped and I want to get er back together

 

updates

 

New Parts!

 

Nice work. The heater core R&R looks like a pita.

 

Looks like the blend air door. sends the air either through the heater core or the evaporator for the A.C.

 

I don't think so, if you look at the pictures of the inside of the HVAC unit clearly you can see the blend door. It is attached to the temperature cable **** and functions properly. Do you think it is meant to be part of the blend air door?

 

 

Yea, it kinda is a PITA! However, it's not really difficult just time consuming. Now we will see if I can get it back together! I decided to go with a new evaporator while I was in there. Darn thing wont be delivered until Monday!