heater core replacement

Rickety Rhino1 · Post by **Rickety Rhino1** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:32 pm

I'm replacing a heater core, and would like to run the engine to
test the new core for leaks before I put the entire dash back on.
Is it OK to run the engine with the dash off and all its electrical
connections off?
This will be the SECOND time for this repair, since the first time I
replaced it I had the old heater core supposedly fixed at a radiator shop,
but I failed to test it before reinstalling the dash. After hours of work
reinstalling the dashboard, the heater core leaked coolant into the engine
compartment same as before..WAIL!!! (This time I've got a new
heater core)

Thanks for any advice!

dug320 · Post by **dug320** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:30 pm

I can't think of a reason not to run the engine without the dash.

Perhaps someone else can confirm this.

Cheers

Gasoline Fumes · Post by **Gasoline Fumes** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 3:52 am

It's been a while since I did anything with the factory wiring, but I think you might need the "computer" plugged in. I think it's the electrical box mounted on the underside of the dash, above the glove compartment. It won't hurt anything to try without it, but the fuel cut-off solenoids on the carb will probably be closed and you won't get any fuel. You should be able to just take it off the dash and plug it back into the harness.

GTSSportCoupe · Post by **GTSSportCoupe** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:51 am

If you mean all the gauge cluster stuff, you can definitely run without it. However you will obviously need your ignition components plugged in.

sacwac · Post by **sacwac** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:26 pm

You can run the car just fine without the dashboard. I've done this before. You also don't need to hook up the instruments clusters. If your car has a computer, it will need to be hooked up. Both tercels of mine won't run without it.

Also, you will get funny looks, and people asking "something missing in your car?"