Hello, I am looking for any advice on replacing the heater core on a 1997 explorer xlt ohv v6. Talking to a mechanic friend he stated it would take about 7.1 hours to replace it. Has anyone on this forum tackled this job yet? I live in an area that I will need the heater in about a month. I would hate to spend 450.00 in labor charges if I could get some information that might make it easier. Thanks for any help you can offer.

It can be a job to do. I beleave you have to pull the dash out of the truck. Don't get discouraged. I'm going to take a whole day off work just so I can put one on my mustang. (Similar Labor.)

Well I slayed the beast and changed the heater core out yesturday. I did not have to open up the a/c system and was able to get the evap. housing far enough away from the firewall to get to the nuts behind it. I had trouble getting the dash far enough out to pull the heater core housing away from the firewall but I got it done without completely removing the dash from the vehicle. I think it took me about 6 1/2 hours start to finish to get it done.