Cabin Heat / Coolant level
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 32
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Cabin Heat / Coolant level
Ive got a 92 5.0 that i have been battling trying get some cabin heat. The amount of heat seems to depend on the ambient air temp...so needless to say, when its cold the heat is pretty weak. Recently ive replaced the heater core and gone through the entire HVAC system but with no chmage in heat output. When i first checked the coolant levels they seemed low so i topped it off...still no change. Since then ive checked the levels several times and have had to top it off multiple times. I cant find any leaks, but get an occasional antifreeze smell under the hood. I had a shop block test the engine and it came back in good shape.
Any ideas? Has anyone had this issue with an old 5.0?
Thanks
Any ideas? Has anyone had this issue with an old 5.0?
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 10
From: Phoenix, AZ
It definitely seems to me that you have a coolant leak somewhere. If your upper radiator hose feels hot when the engine is at full operating temperature, then you should be getting hot air in the cabin unless your coolant level is too low.
I would try holding the heater core hoses when the engine is fully warmed up and the heat is on as well. If the hoses don't feel as hot as the upper radiator hose, then you know you have a coolant level/circulation issue.
If the hoses are hot, then you probably have a blend door issue (as in the door is stuck close for heat, or the cable is detached or something.)
I would try holding the heater core hoses when the engine is fully warmed up and the heat is on as well. If the hoses don't feel as hot as the upper radiator hose, then you know you have a coolant level/circulation issue.
If the hoses are hot, then you probably have a blend door issue (as in the door is stuck close for heat, or the cable is detached or something.)
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 0
From: Napa
Do you have a flush valve on your heater core line? I did and that's where all of my coolant was leaking from. Ditched the flush valve and haven't lost any coolant since. Heater works decent, I need to get in there and clean out the 22 years of gunk that's built up 
New User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NW Colorado
How is your engine temp? I had a thermostat stick open and it caused a low cabin heat issue. As the leak goes, check all your freeze plugs. They can weep and drip right onto the exhaust, causing the odor, and you never see a puddle.
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