I need to replace the heater core in my 1986 Ford Bronco 2. Are there instructions on line on how to do this?

Remove dash

disconnect heater core hoses in the engine compartment

open heater box, and remove the heater core.

it could be your heater core leaking - you will be able to see why
the vents won't switch when you take the heater box out to do the
heater core

not easy. must be remove from inside engine area. if it has ac, system must be also removed. replace blower motor as well, being that is also hard to get to later.

I would try flushing heater core to see if it's plugged. I don't think it's waterpump, your rig would be overheating if it was. Leaking is most common waterpump failure.

you will have to remove entire dash,it's a long labor process,the core is just behind dash in a box on passenger side.










TIM

get a new heater core, get a repair manual on ebay, follow the instructions and replace the core. on a car that old you will not have to fart around with a dash airbag and should be a straight forward job.

Disconnect both hoses from the core and one of them also from the engine. Hook the other one back to where you took one off, making a loop. The picture below is not a bronco, but gives you the idea.
By the way, your core is easy to replace. It almost pops right out from under the dash. I ahve included picture below.

Remove and replace heater core procedures:

1. Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core tubes and plug hoses.
2. In the passenger compartment, remove the five screws attaching the heater core access cover to the plenum assembly and remove the access cover.
3. Pull the heater core rearward and down, removing it from the plenum assembly.

To install:

1. Position the heater core and seal in the plenum assembly.
2. Install the heater core access cover to the plenum assembly and secure with five screws.
3. Install the heater hoses to the heater core tubes at the dash panel in the engine compartment. Do not over-tighten hose clamps.
4. Check the coolant level and add coolant as required. Connect the negative battery cable.
5. Start the engine and check the system for coolant leaks.

Click on the following link for instructions. Best of luck.
Greg

greg.margo.home.comcast.net/bronco_heater_core.html

This is not a terribly complicated job -- it's mostly bolts, hoses and clamps. It can be messy depending on how much coolant there is in it.

Access to it may be the biggest headache depending on whether it's under the hood or under the dashboard.

Doing this job for the first time will probably take about 4 hours.

Thermostat is not on the radiator. It is in a housing on the intake manifold at the engine end of the top radiator hose.Heater controls on that truck may be vacuum controlled or cable controlled You need to check and make sure that the heater lines are open and water is flowing through them.