Found out I have to replace the heater core in my 2009 f-350 6.4L. How easy is it? How do you remove the dash on these things? Is it worth paying the $1000 to get a mechanic to do it?

 

Replacing the heater core is easy but a bit time consuming. The glove box must be removed, both coolant lines to core and disconnect the electrical connections, The core is held in position with 2 small brackets. Some manipulation is required but a very easy task. The new cores are about $30 at the discount parts stores. Check coolant color and replace as necessary, and use distilled water mix. Frank...........Idaho

 

I would caution you about using cheap parts. They don't usually last as long as an original manuf part. If you are going to go through all the trouble to remove it get a quality core and only do the job once.

 

Most parts are made to satisfy some minimum requirements. Bad parts are mostly a defect in the making process and get past the inspectors. The replacement heater cores are the exact duplicate of the factory parts. I have replaced many Ford heater cores with not a single failure. After replacing several cores, the task becomes very simple and easy. It seems as the today parts are engineered for a part failure at a predetermined time or mileage. In tank fuel pumps must be the number one failure part.. Frank

 

09 6.4 has to have the the complete heater core/evaporator case removed from the dash. Instrument panel removed, A/C evac, etc.. Large job,, and does require a few specialized tools, quick release tools for hose connections etc.