RE: UrQ / 4000/ coupe heater core replacement

[Brendan Rudack <rudack@umcc.umcc.umich.edu>]

> So I'm into the beginning of the heater core replacement on my UrQ and I have 
> a question or two. I have been told that I have to remove the AC evaporator to 
> access the heater core.

I have no idea how similar the UrQ/4000 HVAC unit is to that of the 90Q
(with manual controls) but I have replaced the heater core on my 90.
I was told the AC evaporator had to come out to get to the core, but I
didn't like that idea. I replaced the heater core with the AC evaporater
in place.  

> When that's out of the way do I access the core from the passenger side access 
> panel in the plastic heater box or do I have to split the box in two (there 
> are clips that hold the two halves together)? 

I am assuming you took your dashboard out (I had to). With the dash
removed I separated the heater box from the AC/blower box.  The biggest
PITA was removing and reinstalling the clip against the firewall, but it
can be done.  In case you didn't know, the heater box is connected to the
firewall and on the 90 there are 2 nuts that had to be removed near the
ignition coil to get the box out.

HTH!

Brendan Rudack
'98 A4tq
Fenton, Michigan USA