Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

I take it my heater core is leaking? This is on the 62 plate STI. How do I trace this and how exactly do I get to the core and the pipes? Is it a full dash out job?

Is there a dash removal DIY anywhere for Hatch shape cars if so?

Can't catch a break right now.

Don Clark

You will need to select the various relevant parts from the attached

Don Clark

You may just have a leaking supply/return pipe/seal as they are separate items.
Removing the blower unit is the first stage after removing the LH side lower instrument panel and glove box

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Thank you Don, I was hoping you'd reply. Massively appreciated.

domino46

I removed my dash when I had the hatch , from what I remember it wasn't that big of a job really , just looks a major thing to do lol

madwrx

iTrader: (2)

takes about 2 hours to strip down all told -it will amaze you how many bloody bolts hold it together lol---took me a fair while longer to get it all back together though and keep everything working-

yabbadoo4

iTrader: (8)

yeah its a big job by all accounts. my bug,s heater matrix leaked, same signs as yours coolant steamed windows and soaking wet passenger side floor/carpet. i have bypassed the heater matrix for the moment until such time i can get it done. from what ive read you have to drop the steering column as well (on the bugeye at least) too big a job for me so will get someone for the job after this madness all ends.

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Well I still haven't tackled this. Car has been parked up. Going to go look at it this afternoon or tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Right I’m well into this now. I can’t fully pull the dash out as there’s some wires which will snap that don’t appear to have any way of being disconnected. I’ve got the lower part off and can see the blower motor assembly. I can’t make out from the diagram where the heating and cooling unit is, where the heater core is or how I discharge the air con with no special tools?

Don Clark

Aircon needs to be professionally evacuated/discharged/emptied. An offence otherwise.

The 3 images on this ebay link might shed some light.
The unit sits smack behind the centre of the console.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Im...-/382420417829

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

That's a dilemma then as it can't be driven. I guess I will need to get it running again though to try and see where the leak is coming from...

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

If it is that then, I'm going to have to find a way to undo the wire that's still attached to the top of the dash somewhere as that's not coming out with the dash above it...

If it's the supply/return pipe seal, whereabouts will the leak be coming from when I let it run?

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Right, here's what's happening:
​​​

Don Clark

Next move is to remove the pipe cover from where its dripping to see if its a pipe, a pipe to core seal or the core leaking

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Blower motor is still in situ, will that have to come out to remove the pipe cover?

Don Clark

Have no idea but looking at this image no - but i'm not on site or have done the job before.
You may have to remove the blower unit to get the pipes out anyway, if required.

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Well the replacement core I bought from a well known breaker has turned up pretty smashed up and badly packaged.

How does the radiator itself come out? Do the pipes need removing? Does it just pull out with a bit of force after the single screw on the side is removed or is there a trick to it?

Don Clark

Post #2 second pdf "Heater core.pdf" - seems I wasted my time

Jay Cartay

iTrader: (3)

Sorry mate, apologies. Head's all over the place at the moment.