Vacuum out heater core?

I do not want to flush it. I want to know if there's a way to vacuum off the heater core to get more air flow. I live in West Texas and on an average day we have around 20mph winds and lots of dust. I stay on top of my cabin filter so that isn't an issue. Y'all have suggestions?

 

The evaporator core and heater core are buried deep, 99% certain there is no easy cleaning.

I hear you though. Mine is 11 years old, 107k mi and with new approved filter, doesn't move much air for a double cab. I suspect the same thing.

I think you need a steerable camera to route through the ducts that drags a hose along. When in place, blow air through it going the opposite direction.

Not sure how viable this is...

 

Why the apprehension with flushing? I've had good results with other vehicles by flushing with garden hose pressure, no attachments. Had a TJ Wrangler with 0 heat until I back flushed the heater core. Worked wonderfully afterwards.

 

I can tell you after getting a new heater core/HVAC box that the amount of air flowing through the vents did not change (@120k miles) for me. Still anemic...

 

Okay, let's double the voltage to the blower motor!

 

I can relate with the constant wind living in the Panhandle.

 

Good to know. I think I will probably go ahead and use a borescope and see what I can see in there. I was pretty sure there was no getting to it easily but hey I don't know everything so ‍♀️

Thanks y'all ☺️

 

What exactly do you mean by more airflow? For the ac or heater out of the vents?

The evaporator core and heater core are in the HVAC box under the dash. Depending on temp selection, the blend door decides how much air flows through each. If you are on full AC no air will flow through the heater core. If you are on full heat no air will flow through the evaporator.

I’m not sure how isolating the heater core would make “more airflow”

But also not sure exactly what your goal is here.

EDIT: you mean you want to clean the coils of the heater and evap coil. I would definitely recommend a borescope to see down inside to determine how dirty they are. Cleaning will be difficult as majority of the dash has to come out to really get to them.

 

OP is asking about the external core being clogged with dust/lint/debris, etc. See in the video about 7:30. Of course this in not a Tundra but it shows what she's talking about.

OP.....perhaps change YOUR cabin air filter?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOgTre7StQQ

 

Sounds like your asking to clean out the duct area underneath the cabin filter. You describe low air flow and think that area may be clogged with dust?
Here is a video that shows how to replace the fan motor for the HVAC system. That is a very common the issue with Toyotas. The motors wear out.
Real easy to remove the motor. Once you remove the fan motor, this will give you access the the lowest area of the ducts to clean out any debris. If your fan motor is working then just put your motor back in. If not replace it with a new one.

How To Replace Blower Motor | 2007-2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuP_Yq57Ok8

How to Remove and Replace Blower Motor in 2007 to 2020 Toyota Tundra and Review
https://youtu.be/TKasgT76TkA