I'm just about done with the overhaul of my heater core housing, and I ran into a problem.

The heater core that I bought a few months back doesn't seem to fit properly. I threw out the old heater core after I got the new one, so I have nothing to compare to. When I put the core in, there is a gap, like the core is too small


It's enough to make the core rattle around a bit. Is this how it's supposed to be? or should there be some gasket material?


Thanks
Jameson

 

There was foam that wrapped the top and bottom to seal the core to the housing.

Josh

 

Are you reffering to top and bottom as the long sides or as the end with the in/out pipes?


Jameson

 

Top = pipes
Bottom = bottom tank, no pipes

Josh

 

He means the top side with the pipes and the bottom. Any hardware store should have the right size weatherstripping with adhesive backing. Just like what you use between a camper shell and bed rail.

 

You're missing the foam endcaps like these and the other pieces that wrap it....:


... doesn't look like anyone makes repros. Maybe Mike0o0o0o will chime in and provide the PNs and lead ya to one of the vintage parts sellers like Green Sales (or something like that). Otherwise, PM him I suppose.

In another thread someone suggested heading to Lowe's or HD for some foam.

 

That's what I though, just wanted to make sure.

EDIT: HIO Silver, I don't recall my old one having those. I saved all the foam that came off the factory one, and I don't recall ever seeing those.

 

I used some 1/4" x 1" closed cell foam tape from ACE hardware. I had to double it in some areas to get a snug fit.

 

Hmmm... the mystery thickens.

Idea... does the heater core PN cross over to another Ford model that does use 'em? The heater boxes will be different but the foam could be modified/supplemented to provide a snug fit.

EDIT: here's what another FTE'er dig to give ya ideas...



More pics @ https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-with-ac.html

 

Thanks for the link. I figured that's what I would end up doing.

It's possible that the foam disintegrated over time, possibly accelerated by the fact the the old core had both pipes sheared off where the enter the core


Jameson