Heater Core Replacement

[Lavell]

I have a problem. I wasn't getting any heat in my '96 Contour. So I replaced all the sensors in the thermostat housing. My temperature gauge works, but I still wasn't getting any heat. At that point, I knew that the heater core was the problem. So I decided to replaced it. I have the new heater core installed, but I have to replace the hoses that connected to the core due to the fact that I had to cut them in order to get them off. Because my local auto parts store (Kragen) didn't have the hoses in stock, they was placed on order. They are due to come in tomorrow.

My question: On the heater core, which pipe is the intake and which one is the exhaust? I'm asking because when I get the hoses, I want to make sure that I install them correctly. If you have drawings or pictures, please post them. Thank you very much.

 

[mcgarvey]

It doesn't matter. You can switch them and it won't do any harm. As long as coolant is going in and going out you're good.

I'm not sure this will fix your problem though.. I would have replaced the water pump and thermostat first, and bled the cooling system with the front of the car angled up before tearing into the dashboard!

 

[Lavell]

I've done these already except changed the water pump. I didn't change the water pump because there was no indication that the water pump wasn't working or there was a leak coming from it. Besides, after removing the old heater core, I found out that the heater core was clogged. That explains why I wasn't getting any heat as well as why my radiator upper hose burst.

I'm not sure this will fix your problem though.. I would have replaced the water pump and thermostat first, and bled the cooling system with the front of the car angled up before tearing into the dashboard!