How bad is a heater core replacement on a '98 xj?

 

Do you drink ?

 

I'm still drinking in celebration of doing mine...and that was done months ago

 

About 2 hours to get the dash out, another 30-40 minutes to disassemble and re-assemble the HVAC box, and another 2 hours to get the dash in.

It's faster if you've done it before. I just did mine.

Replace the evaporator while you're in there. You need to evacuate the AC system.

 

Been reading up on it, drinking already! Not looking forward to this one!!

 

Thanks!

 

LOL. Ah that was funny.

It's not like replacing a motor. But i think it's a lot more difficult than it needs to be. And I have done many of them.

 

The Chilton or Haynes manual is handy for this procedure. It explains what to remove and how to 'roll' the box out.
One of the only things the manual is good for.

 

I took the dash out of my 88 XJ today, and it didn't take 2 hours. More like 20 minutes. Make sure that you where the bolts go. Memorize or write it down.

Wear gloves too, else you risk sacrificing your blood to the Jeep deities. You might scrub these parts down while you are at it so that it keep your cab cleaner than it was when you found it. I mention this because I took my dash apart today to fix and inspect the wiring, and found so much dirt and grime from the previous owner that I could have grown a tomato plant in it. I scrubbed all that junk out and now my dash looks nearly new.

...but anyhow, the heater core shouldn't be a 5 hour job. Maybe 2 hours if you stay focused and don't lose a finger.

 

Maybe 2 hours to mentally prepare, about 4 to do the job.. (unless you have done it before)

 

Your 88 XJ is a lot different from the 97+ models. The dash is completely different. And it takes the amount of time I described. I did this only 2-3 weeks ago.

 

I have water comming in on my 94 and i am praying its not the heater core. Good luck with yours and let us know how it goes.

 

They can be pretty easy if you have the correct instructions to do so. It will take some time if it is your first time doing one. Most people take to much stuff off in the first place. Take your time and take note of where you took the bolts out from.

 

Back in service. Thanks to all for the help!!

 

Nice!

I get to do mine again this weekend because the stupid blend door stuck, and the cable end for the thermostat control snapped off with almost no force.

I think my core might be defective though, not much heat out of the Napa brand one I got but it is probably that the door is not fully sealing.

Not the worst thing in the world though, I unbolt the dash, unbolt the steering column, remove drivers seat, and just swing the whole assembly out of the way. 2 hrs to remove, roughly the same to replace.