heater core
 

is it common that they just rendomly give up the ghost? was driving home tonight and winshild got all foggy and looked down pass side floor an it's slowly leaking rad fluid..... :( going to do the cheap summer fix an by pass it. they hard to do?

Re: heater core
 

Not really hard, pull glove box and some duct work. Non ac truck is easier.It helps if you're limber.

Re: heater core
 

with it bypassed you can get the work done and drive it
done both yup non ac is easier

Re: heater core
 

I agree that you should bypass (loop together) the heater hoses at the firewall in the engine compartment for now.
Make sure you get a copper, not aluminum core. You might check the OEM vendors for a genuine AC Delco core.
I would get a repair manual and check out how the repair goes. I have a Haynes manual that has a good description of the process. With A/C it is more involved - the heater core really just straps into the box on the inside of the firewall, as I recall. Lining up the bolts through the firewall is a real PITA, since you are working blind and one of the bolts installed from the firewall side is completely hidden - I used an inspection mirror to aid installation. I think you might see the process online if you go to the Autozone website.
My experience is that the heater cores slowly leak at the joints, then one day the leak becomes large enough to pass enough coolant that see it on the floor. The odd smell you may get in the truck is an indication that you have a slow heater core leak that is not yet visible on the floor.

Re: heater core
 

It's not too bad. Just a hint. Pull out the inner fender, much easier to remove the bolts under the a/c condenser (if your truck is a/c).