RANT RANT RANT!!!!
Got old core out, and put the new one in...BUT....
I used the old pipes, and they seat properly, but the bracket that holds the two pipes that attach at the left side of the core isn't fitting the new heater core properly.
It seems that a plastic tab just below where the pipes mount is thicker on the new heater core, and the old bracket from the old pipes has a protrusion such that it hits the tab before seating fully so that the pipes can be tightened.
What is the purpose in changing the tab and bracket on the pipes when they are otherwise the same?
To that end, I presume I have three options. 1) sell the car. 2) try to alter the old bracket to fit the new heater core by shaving/grinding it. I have a dremel, but doing this with the pipes installed might be a pain, not to mention that the heater core is installed which makes that task even more risky and difficult. 3) install the new pipes that came with the new heater core, and everything should be happy-- I think.
If I opt to install the new pipes, I haven't seen much in the way of write-ups on this. How difficult will it be, given that I have most of the interior already apart to follow through with the installing the new pipes? Do I need new gaskets or anything where the pipes enter the engine bay and connect to rubber coolant hoses?
Thanks....so much for a trival 5 hour job.