Hi everyone, I bought a 63 lesabre in the summer, and now that winter is in full swing I have noticed that it doesn't really get very warm. I am looking into replacing the heater core as i'm pretty sure it's 45 years old and have a few questions. First of all, how hard would it be for a novice such as myself to pull it off? I really want to learn how to do it myself to get more experience under the hood. Secondly, where is my best bet to buy a new heater core, I have a Non-AC car with a 401. Last question I have is would it be wise to also replace the thermostat while i'm doing the heater core and how would I go about telling if the thermostat does need replacement or if it is fine, also where could I get one? Any advice whatsoever would be great, but no big rush. I won't be starting this until the snow has melted, which will be quite a while!
Here are your parts: http://www.classicbuicks.com/heating.htm http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=430&CatId=5&SubCatId=6 http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=430&CatId=5&SubCatId=6 Just replace the stat and do not worry about testing it. It is more likely that you need the radiator core if this one has been in there a long time. Also if your model uses a heater contol valve feel the hose on both sides of the valve to see if it is operating.
If the heater core is not leaking, I would not replace it. If your heater is not hot enough, as Jim said above, first check to make sure the hot water valve is opening. If it is, see if you have at least a 180 degree thermostat in it (the 160 will blow too cool for you up there). Stant makes a really fine 180 thermo for the nailhead, part number: 45478 (or if you want to try 195 degree thermostat to really get some heat part #45479). Don't let them substitute another make or generic thermostat. This is the SuperStat. Jim
