Heatercore Leak
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
Heatercore Leak
Hello, I recently discovered my heater core to be leaking, had the symptoms of a coolant smell in the cab, fog on the windows and of course a puddle of coolant on the floor of my cab. Last night I replaced the core with a Motocraft part, I read reviews saying Motocraft would last longer than the cheaper replacement parts I found. After about an hour of driving I noticed those same symptoms and and even bigger puddle of coolant on my floor than last time. It seems that within an hour of use the new heater core has already started leaking. I'm not quite sure what the issue is, or if I did something wrong during installation but I don't want to spend the money on a replacement only to have it break once more. I'd appreciate any help I can get on this thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
It doesn’t take much to break the solder joints between the pipes and core during installation. If you forced it in place, or had difficulty hooking up the hoses (excessive effort to push them onto the pipes) that could’ve happened.
If there’s no obvious damage, I’d at least try to exchange the core as faulty, then be very careful with the new one during installation.
If there’s no obvious damage, I’d at least try to exchange the core as faulty, then be very careful with the new one during installation.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
It doesn’t take much to break the solder joints between the pipes and core during installation. If you forced it in place, or had difficulty hooking up the hoses (excessive effort to push them onto the pipes) that could’ve happened.
If there’s no obvious damage, I’d at least try to exchange the core as faulty, then be very careful with the new one during installation.
If there’s no obvious damage, I’d at least try to exchange the core as faulty, then be very careful with the new one during installation.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
Electrolysis is possible but for it to happen within an hour would indicate a severe problem with ground points - without thinking through it more than I’m willing to at this point, I’m not even sure what it would take for it happen within an hour’s time.
What most likely happened is one of the solder joints or the core itself had a weak spot, either from installation or shipping, and it wasn’t until the system was pressurized that it really began to give way. It’s hard to say for sure until you pull it and find the leak.
What most likely happened is one of the solder joints or the core itself had a weak spot, either from installation or shipping, and it wasn’t until the system was pressurized that it really began to give way. It’s hard to say for sure until you pull it and find the leak.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 414
Likes: 42
From: State of Confusion
Bad coolant can kill things, but not that quickly, not unless you topped it up with muriatic acid or something. Having fought with one of these cores to get it in, I can see how you could damage it in the process. If nothing jumps out at you visually, you can submerge it in a tray of water, block one pipe, blow into the other, and see if bubbles come out somewhere. Also check that your heater core hoses aren't split at the ends.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
Coolant is new, less than a year old. I now that I think of it, having electrolysis happen so fast seems extreme as well as I feel like the radiator would've been leaking too. It was a tight squeeze to get in and I should've given it a better inspection once receiving it. In terms of the system having too much pressure I am not sure how to check that, although the radiator cap seems fine. If I should add some extra grounds to be safe, any recommendations as to where they should be placed?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,791
Likes: 2,426
Only thing to add is make sure the hoses aren’t actually what is leaking and the coolant is running into the heater box.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,785
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Rent a pressure tester from the parts store. It can be used to test the radiator cap as well as the entire cooling system. Electrolysis is the the least of your worries at this point.
Test the thermostat while you are diagnosing the cooling system.
Test the thermostat while you are diagnosing the cooling system.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,785
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
There is another thread on this topic...new does not mean good. Granted the heater core was previously cracked and there was no mention of pegging the temperature gauge, but good insurance to check these pesky t-stats before installing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Joseph Valenzuela
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Oct 23, 2019 08:11 PM
Robby Nash
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
10
Jul 18, 2012 07:55 PM