986 Heater Core change, but of help needed

[Cano]

I'm attempting a heater core change, seeing as when I use the heater I get smokey antifreeze from the vents.

This is on a 2004 986 Boxster S

I've got it all stripped down, ready to remove the old core but there is a sold AC pipe blocking the way.

https://imgur.com/a/3HJMEB0



I don't want to loosen the pipe and vent all my refrigerant, so what it the right way to get that out?

[Polome]

Typical daft design on cars today…it’s an old (ish) car so I’d saw the obstructing pipe ends off in situ and remove core…if the new core couldn’t be wriggled in I’d also cut the new pipe tails and extend the water pipes….

[Cano]

All done.

There was a plastic cable tie holding the pipe in place. I didn't think that was the issue, but once I cut it the pipe had just enough play to pull out of the way.

Time for lunch, then get some coolant to top up the system. Hopefully I have heating AND AC now

[Ed.Neumann]

Was your windscreen misting up too?

This is often a sign that is leaking on these, almost like when your aircon is low and won't dehumidify the cabin properly. The difference is you can feel it oily on your screen too.

[Cano]

Yes, it was. I fixed the aircon last winter but the heater core was shot too. I've only been able to drive with the AC on the lowest temperature. Fine for summer, but needed sorting ASAP with cold weather coming.