2021 VNL heater core replacement

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by 86scotty, Dec 10, 2023.

  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    My heater core is leaking from the condensation drain on the front of the firewall, just under air filter housing. I have seen a hack on Youtube where you can get the box apart and replace it without removing the whole box and evacuating HVAC system.

    @nasriza or one of you Volvo mechanics, I'm wondering if you've done this on the newer VNL? The videos I found were on the old VNL.

    I have replaced a blower motor before so I've had the right side of dash apart and I know I can do the job, I just don't have HVAC equipment. I don't mind hacking my box up and taping it back together if I can avoid evacuating the system.

    I got the new heater core and O ring kit from Volvo for around $125.
     
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  3. nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    do not need to take the box apart can be done with box in the truck i have never taken it out for heater core just for evaporator.
     
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  4. nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    Videos of old vnl are same do not need to take box apart relatively easy to do. just remove internal plastics.
     
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  5. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Hey @nasriza, this truck is fairly new to me. Last weekend I didn't have time to change the heater core so I put in ball valves on the heater core lines so I can manually bypass it. ( I did this on my last truck too). I shut them off to stop the leak and then turned them back on a couple days later when it got cold and I needed heat.

    Heater core hasn't leaked since.
     
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  6. nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    Wonderful
     
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  7. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Probably leak was around O-ring where heater core connection and dried coolant plugs leak. My rear heater did it.
     
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  8. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    That was my guess too. Just ran a thousand miles in a couple of days and still no leak.
     
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