Hello,

I have a '98 Ranger and I am having some cooling system issues at the moment.

Awhile back I had, and still do have a heater core that was leaking so I just took it out of the loop. I'm in Florida so it's not really a big deal. Well today while working on some other things under the hood I managed to break the "plastic" heater control valve or the water diverter valve, which ever you prefer.

After inspecting the of the condition heater control valve I would have to assume it probably wouldn't have functioned or if so not very good.

So I just bypassed it and gave the truck a test drive.

Previously, the temp gauge would never move above 1/2 way (before the break)

Now while driving the gauge does creep a bit higher than usual, but it hasn't moved into the "red" yet. (after it's removal)

My question is, since I don't use the heater will my bypass method work or am I asking for bigger headaches?

Thanks for any suggestions

Harry

 

Since nobody had an opinion on my work around I thought I would let you you how it went. I have been running the truck for the past week, traveled about 300+ miles and haven't noticed any changes in the performance of the vehicle.
So it appears the removal of this valve doesn't have any significant effect other than not being able to get the hot coolant into the heater core.

 

Question should be, why did the heater core leak? Won't find out if you don't fix it.

When things break, fix them. That's the way to keep the value of you truck at it's highest. Maintain the truck to keep things from breaking.

What work were you doing under the hood?

 

1. Not that I'm adverse to a bit of work, but have you ever tried to get the heater core out of a Ranger? You need to remove the entire dash. Plus on top of that I don't really use it. So I didn't see the need to replace it.
2. I also didn't mention in my previous post that this truck has over 297,000 + miles. At this stage in it's life I am not looking to invest a whole lot of time & money into a vehicle that might not last a whole lot longer. Don't get me wrong, she's been good to me. I'm just trying to realistic.
3. Unfortunately, with a vehicle this old and with the extreme heat of both the location where I live and the conditions under the hood the "plastic" parts used by Ford just don't stand up to those temperatures. Temp + Time = Brittle Plastic - it's reality

Sometimes you don't know things have broken until you stumble upon it.

 

Good follow-up. That's interesting to know.

 

I was thinking that the engine might have a blown head gasket, thus the leaking heater core.

A 98 with almost 300,000 miles on it! Congradulations, why are you here asking questions? You should be leading the way with answers on how to keep Ranger running.

 

The one on my son's truck is leaking and I want to replace it. Is that part a dealer only item or can it be purchased from the aftermarket?? If so anyone know of a part number

Thanks
Royce

 

Just a FYI -- heaters used to be optional in Florida cars -- a friend's late 60's falcon didn't have one.

From the sounds of it, your 'heater delete' will be fine