Heater advice

The heater core has gone bad in my 72 cj5. The heater in this has never worked worth a @#$% even in in the best of times. Since I have to replace the core I've decided it is time to get rid of the inside ice scraper and buy a new heater set up. Does anyone know of a replacement heater/defroster that really works? All of the conversions I've read about involve newer cjs. Someone has suggested the mohave heater. Has anyone installed one of these? Let me know what you've found that may work for me.
Thanks,
Jody

 

If you had poor heat results, you must have had a problem with one of the components in the system. There are many upgrades available to increase flow through the ducts, but if you are not happy with the performance of the heater, troubleshoot what you have first before installing a new system. You may find that a small repair will fix your existing system. If you just want more air movement, try the GM fan motor upgrade. You can do a search here and find the infomation on it.

good luck

 

Check out this thread:
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19007&highlight=heater

I installed a Mojave in a '74. Easy install, great heat output. Only downside is that the plentum for the defroster makes the unit pretty bulky. You could probably install it somewhere else and make it all fit. The owners wanted it in this location, so that's where I put it.

 

Thanks for the responses! In order to trouble shoot the system wouldn't I have to install a new heater core since this one is leaking? I'm trying to avoid doing this twice. The info on how it should work is very helpful. I'm not sure now about the Mojave heater becuse of placement issues. I have my ARB switches and cb mounted in the center of the dash. It doesn't look like it will all fit in the original space. I would have to have a defroster because I like going out when it's snowing and the windshied ices up in a big hurry.

 

The WS-to-body rubber is an important area to check. If there is a poor seal, then you will get cold air mixed with the warm and it won't be as effective. And, if your water valve is not opening all the way, you won't get good heat either. These are some things you can check that won't force you to change the core yet. Is your heater unit on the left or right of the steering column??

 

The heater is on the right side.

 

OK, if you decide to upgrade, I'm sure that the later model CJ heater boxes (??75-79??) fit in your year and then you add the GM fan to it for a great increase in heater performance. Do a search in the tech section for the links to these upgrades.

 

72-75 all the same. Not sure how the 76-on heaters are different. Jeep Gal, if you have all the heater parts, I'd suggest you put it together and try it. I found that the heaters in my 73 and in my 75 were fine (of course, that was CA, but I had to be at work at 4AM, so I used them a lot). More air would be good for the defroster though.

 

There was just an article in JP magazine about a heater upgrade and using a YJ fan motor and plenum. The YJ fan motor is similar in size to the Chevy truck one.

Check your core. If it did not work good it may have been plugged with junk. Also clean out the plenum, sometimes leaves and junk can get in there and reduce the airflow.

Also check windshield seal as someone else noted.

 

I was going to say YJ heater here also.
Bigger fan moter = more heat out put.
The Mojave heaters are nice and the way I'm going. ( I think )
Lynn did a heater from an Astro van I think.

 

I've got a pressure tested good used core you can HAVE for cost of shipping. Just PM with pertinent info and will send it out for you. Nickmil.

 

Thanks for the offer Nickmil. I need to dig through some of the spare part boxes and see if I might have another one. I'll let you know if I need it. Still not sure the route I'm taking yet. I need to get in there and take a good look at everything and see if I can find the problem. I have to go Jeeping in the a.m (darn), so Ill try to get back to it Sunday. I'll let you know.