Having to install a heater core in the FJ60 Land Cruiser can be one of the worse jobs we have to do. It doesn’t sound bad, but as you start looking into all the steps it becomes apparent this isn’t just a simple operation, or is it. The FSM calls for the dash to be removed, then to remove the A/C evaporator module (if equipped) then the heater core module.
The heater core is held in its case by a bracket across the top and little clamps over the tubes. The tubes are held in the heater core with little clips. With the tubes attached there will not be enough clearance to remove the heater core with the case in the vehicle.
While you will still need to remove the entire dash and heater ducts. If you remove the tubes first, pull the cases away from the firewall you will be able to remove the heater core without disconnection the A/C. I used a pair of screw drivers to pry the somewhat stuck heater core out of the case. Once out I made sure to clean out any old coolant that was sitting in the bottom of the case. The new heater core did not come with any of the foam that is used to seal the core in the case. All that my local parts store had was camper tape and appears to work just fine. The new core also didn’t come with new o-rings. Having an assortment on hand is always handy and I was able to find two of the proper size.
With the new heater core installed and tubes mounted in place the dash was reassembled, hoses connected at the fire wall and the coolant refilled. It may be advisable to attach the hoses and refill the cooling system before finishing the dash work to spot any leaks.
4 replies on “FJ60 Heater Core Replacement.”
Whoa. That is radical. There really is no other way but to remove dash? Ouch. Guess I will wait until it gets above freezing to try this one at home. Where did you find the actual replacement core? Thanks for posting this – google likes it. shannon
Schuck’s, Napa or Parts Plus can get the heater core. I think there is actually only one supplier so it doesn’t matter who you get it from, just search around for the best price. Mine had to be special ordered.
There is no other way to get at it. My biggest concern was not having to evacuate and recharge the A/C. Just take your time, and think of anything else you want to replace behind there while you have it apart. Dash lights, heater switch etc.
I never got the template scanned. If I can find it, I will scan it in and post it in the download section and put a link here. Any idea how to best scan it since it is much larger than my scanner and being to scale will be pretty important.
Do you have a schematic of the heater hose routing under the hood? Maybe a couple of photos.
Thanks
Joseph