I have an 86 351 F250 and something went wrong. On the highway steam started to crep through the dashboard and fogged up the inside of my windshield and side windows. The steam was very moist and my hand would get wet wiping it away. I noticed there was little to no heat in the car.

I had to roll down my window and drive with my head out so I could see and exit the highway safely. Once I stopped the truck I saw orange liquid dripping on the passenger side somewhat by the door towards the back.

Under the hood I can't locate the leak. I narrowed it down to the heater core, heater hose or radiator hose going bust. What do you think? Thanks

 

Heater core. For sure. It is the only thing inside the cab with you. Do you have factory air? If so it is an easy job.

 

I think so. On my air adjuster on the dash on the far left next to the off button it says A/C with a bracket pointing down to two position you would slide the lever over to. I guess it means it has air conditioning? I'm not totally sure.

 

There was also a sweet coolant smell in the truck as well.

 

There's a difference between factory air vs dealer-installed air. But, it sounds like you have factory air if the slider has a position for A/C. That's good since you can pull the glove box door, pull the glove box liner, remove ~8 screws, and see the back side of the heater core. Remove the heater hoses and the core comes out. Install a new one and new hoses, refill and bleed the system, and away you go.

BUT! There are several different heater cores and not everyone that is selling them is telling the truth about what fits. So, go to your local auto supplier with your core in hand, and buy one just like yours.

 

Yes, coolant smells sweet. And the fog coats the inside of the windows. You have a heater core leaking.

 

Thanks Gary so far. Last question for right nlw. The glovebox liner is it on a particular side. I mean which side do I remove or is it one piece? I'm having to take the bus back home to get my tools.

 

The glove box liner is the thing inside the glove box door. There are a few screws across the top, a couple on the sides, and the ones that hold the door itself on.

 

Now how many hoses go into it and do they come with the new core or do I have to get them separately from the auto parts store as well?

 

There are two hoses, as shown below. The first pic is a closeup showing where the the heater core sticks though the firewall and the hoses connect. The second shot shows the length of the hoses. If you're aren't realitively new you should consider replacing them as you will probably tear them up getting them off the heater core.

 

Ok I'm looking at the back of the heater core I guess. It's this big black plastic thing with like 6 to 8 small hex nuts holding it on. There is also two small black hoses taped together and the are attached to the back of the plastic with a piece going into it through a small hole.

 

I'm not able to envision what you are describing. Please take a picture and post it by clicking on the yellow "postcard" icon that has a mountain showing.

 

 

That thing you are looking at is the cover you have to take off.

 

You can bypass the heater core, and be able to drive it home. Take the hoses off, and connect them with a short piece of pipe. Refill the radiator, and drive it. Beats taking the bus for tools.