heater core
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Joined: Mar 2003
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heater core
We have a 97 Exp. 4x4. Last week we started noticing the smell of antifreeze. Even with out anything running - it smells. I can actually see "fumes" coming out of the vents on the upper dash. My Dad is guessing heater core - and we called a shop $650 to fix. Right now, that is out of the question. We checked the overflow for the radiator - it's brown. We were told - not to flush it, that may just stir up more crap in the heater core. My husband would like to try fixing it himself, but is concerned about his hands fitting in any small places. I'd help - but 9 months pregnant - my body won't fit
Today though we noticed a leak near the fire wall - passenger side - dripping on the driveway. It still is not leaking inside, and when we turn on the defrost it does not cloud the windows. We are wondering if there is something else we should check before paying out the butt - and if it does sound like the heater core - is it something that a newbie can do?
Thanks for the help.
Angie
Today though we noticed a leak near the fire wall - passenger side - dripping on the driveway. It still is not leaking inside, and when we turn on the defrost it does not cloud the windows. We are wondering if there is something else we should check before paying out the butt - and if it does sound like the heater core - is it something that a newbie can do?Thanks for the help.
Angie
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
heater core
Hi taocker and welcome to FTE
Since you havent noticed any leaking inside the vehicle I'm going to guess that you just have a leaking heater hose. On the hoses where they attach to the heater core there is a quick connect fitting thing with 2 o-rings in it. I suspect you might have leaking o-rings. To remove the hose from the heater core there are 2 tabs you push in and it slips right off....in theory. Sometimes you have to break the little tabs to get the hose off. Make sure you have the new tabs and o-ring kit on hand before tackling it just in case you destroy them. If you have get the kit with the tabs and o-rings from Ford you'll be able to see what it looks like which will make it much easier to figure out how it comes apart.
If that's not it you might have a heater core leak and that's no fun. The whole dash assembly has to come out to replace the core
That's why it's so expensive to get it done.
Since you havent noticed any leaking inside the vehicle I'm going to guess that you just have a leaking heater hose. On the hoses where they attach to the heater core there is a quick connect fitting thing with 2 o-rings in it. I suspect you might have leaking o-rings. To remove the hose from the heater core there are 2 tabs you push in and it slips right off....in theory. Sometimes you have to break the little tabs to get the hose off. Make sure you have the new tabs and o-ring kit on hand before tackling it just in case you destroy them. If you have get the kit with the tabs and o-rings from Ford you'll be able to see what it looks like which will make it much easier to figure out how it comes apart.
If that's not it you might have a heater core leak and that's no fun. The whole dash assembly has to come out to replace the core
That's why it's so expensive to get it done.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Alvin, TX
heater core
I had a similar problem on my 91 Explorer. The heater core is usually accessable through the <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">glove box</a>, but I haven't looked on my '02 Expy. My '88 F 150 dripped on the passenger floor board, and you could see it as well as smell it.
Good luck!!!
Good luck!!!
