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Repeated Heater Core Failures

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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 06:29 PM
  #1  
wash31570's Avatar
wash31570
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Repeated Heater Core Failures

Hello
I've replaced three heater cores in two years and it's getting a little old. I purchased the core from the Ford Dealer ship thinking it would be of good quality. However, the heater core failed twice. Finally, I installed an aftermarket heater core because it has a lifetime warrenty. I read the articals about stray voltage in the antifreeze and the reading was about .01. However, I noticed the reading would spike when the engine was started, about .03 to .06. Does anyone have any suggestions, I've already cleaned a few ground cables and replaced the anitfreeze.
Thanks.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2010 | 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by wash31570
Hello
I've replaced three heater cores in two years and it's getting a little old. I purchased the core from the Ford Dealer ship thinking it would be of good quality. However, the heater core failed twice. Finally, I installed an aftermarket heater core because it has a lifetime warrenty. I read the articals about stray voltage in the antifreeze and the reading was about .01. However, I noticed the reading would spike when the engine was started, about .03 to .06. Does anyone have any suggestions, I've already cleaned a few ground cables and replaced the anitfreeze.
Thanks.

Yes I have had this happen with a Ranger when I worked at a Ford dealership. After the third time doing it under warrantee I contacted hotline tech support for Ford and was told to attach a ground strap directly to the heater core. I did and never seen it again
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 08:42 PM
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Can you explain that little TruckinAl or someone else. What mean attach ground strap directly to heather core. One end to heather core another end to chassis? And what it help? I spot heather is electrically insulated from rest of car (foam, plastic, rubber pipes). Is it coolant have + potential regard negative battery post?
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 08:59 PM
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How are the cores failing?
Are the getting holes in them like something is eating them up?
Or are they getting blown apart?

I have had repeated heater core failures on other Ford vehicles (84 Mustang GT & 90 T-Bird) caused by excess coolant flow.

The telltale sign of excess flow is usually the core will be swelled on the inlet sice somewhere and they split at a seam.

My 97 F-150 has a flow restrictor in the inlet heater hose.
I would make sure that your truck has one as well.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2010 | 01:45 PM
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wash31570
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Repeated Heater Core problems

The heater core is leaking inside the coil, not the inlet and outlet pipes. And yes, I have a restrictor in the hose going to the heater. I was under the impression not to ground the heater core, it makes things worse? I was thinking of installing an aftermarket anode rod in the coolent to fix the problem, does anyone know where I can buy one? On the upside of replacing the coils I have gotten really good at it...
 
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