Well it's finally happened. I thought i smelt a faint molassus/sweet whiff on the trip up to Melbourne on Sunday. At the time i could find no water in the passenger footwell. Then after 6 days of her sitting in the shed, i opened her up and grabbed something off the passenger floor which had a beautiful patch of green coolant on it. Sigh. So after delving deep into the tech section and search, my question is: where have people sourced their heater cores from? As my zed isn't a daily, i think i'd like to actually replace the core (also to aid resale value ) There seems to be some conjecture as to which core to use...some say a certain Mirage core, some say a certain Magna core. I found this site during my search, in the ACT. Their 300zx heater core @ $185 states '94 on' http://www.autoheat.com.au/docs/nissan/IHC1013.htm So as i understand it...this will be no good on my 90 model NA? Also, they have this magna one for $100 http://www.autoheat.com.au/docs/mitsubishi/IHC1028.htm But a different part number, same picture. Is that the one that requires a slight modification to fit? I can't just duck into a dealership/parts store to purchase a core as i live hours away from the city. Many thanks :zlove:
Search #1: "overnight delivery .. around $190.00 ... from PHILIP RADIATORS (ACT) .... .. does not include the "tap" which, in any event, you probably will not need ..." by Black baz Search #2: "Apparently there are several Mitsubishi cores that fit. 94-95 Mirage(I think that's the correct year), early series Magna(90 onwards) and some Lancers. If you go to the website of Philip Radiator Service(in the ACT. Phone No. 02 6282 3926) you will find a very helpful catalog showing each core, it's dimensions and the inlet/outlet positions. The core I used was from a Mirage." ... by Chili.
smart arse i think i searched too far into it and came up with vague 'suggestions' as to which cores fit, muddling the truth a bit. I'll check out these places, thanks edit: ok so that 95 model mirage core is the same as the "94 on" core, can anyone confirm this is the same as a 90 model (300zx)?
Give me a sec, i'll dig up my thread... *Edit* Main thread Thead with pictures of 300ZX core against Lancer core I used... Try not be too worried about what this job actually entails... I went about it the LONG way lol. You can be sneaky and remove the clutch pedal (if manual) and access the heater core that way, unsure about if yours is auto, could be done easier maybe? */Edit* MoulaZX
nissan patrol also fits so i hear, Reminds me that i have a new one here for ZXTCY,i better fit it or Kathy will divorce me lol
it's odd cos i hardly use the zed anymore and i haven't used the heater in agessss. It's only a small leak SO FAR, but i think i'm going to bypass it before i drive it again Thanks for the help guys. When i can safety afford another core i'll replace it with that one moulazx...where did you get your lancer core?
Some random wrecker, cant remember exactly. Just go hunting around. Call up a few wreckers that stock 2000' Lancers / Mirages. Get some quotes, go to cheapest one, pick it up. Could also take it out yourself if the wrecker is willing, they'll usually drop the price for you if you decide to go that route. Its not that hard to take out of the Lancers / Mirages yourself btw. Most of the time you can cut / break whats in your way because after all, you're at a 'wrecker', thats my excuse atleast Good luck, mate. MoulaZX
ah k cool. Yes i'm sure there are quite a few lancers in wrecker yards insurance is high on them for a reason haha. I'll keep an eye out, cheers
very true baz. Though i'd be less scared using a second hand core from a 2000 model lancer than a second hand one from a 1990 model 300zx. Still, better to get a new one if possible.
I have a second hand one in the shed, but if the heater core goes in one of my cars, no way I'd be using it. How long would it last ?
I wish! I have receipts showing that RZ2 was given a new heater core in 2004/20000km ago. Yesterday on the dyno Bob said he could smell coolant .... at the end of the day I was changing Bob's emulator back to my ECU, and sure enough, carpet damp. Going home, coolant streamed out on 1 corner. DAMN!!! 3 days before I go to Warwick! EA Falcon heater hose purchased, cut to length and fitted yesterday; heater core bypassed for now. My case might be unusual though. The gunk that was previously "flowing" through my heater core probably added to the problem, so it was probably a good chance to be a goner anyway. I guess the core I originally bought for RZ1 (from a forum member) will now be used after all.
I had to replace the heater core twice in 18 months. The first was the OEM unit, kindly bypassed by JG (ACT) in the main street of Yass, second after a small residual current leak in the coolant system corroded small pits in the replacement core. Current core has lasted 3 years so far after everything in the engine bay which could be earthed, was earthed. Never did find out why there was a residual current (-2V) in the cooling/coolant system. Both cores came from Phillip Radiator service in the ACT.
