Bad heater core...?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Bad heater core...?
I did a search and found what I think to be my solution in regards to a problem someone had with a '98. But I wanted to ask and make certain with my truck.
My truck is a '95 F150XL with the 6cyl. I *think* I have a bad heater core...
Terrible, terrible stink coming from the vents, and when I turn on the heat or defrost, nasty smelling smoke comes out of the defrost vents. It JUST started smelling bad tonight, and then BAM - the smoke started pouring out. It was TERRIBLE!!!
So...heater core? If so, how does one fix this in a '95? Is it something I can do myself? Time constraints aside, I don't want to pay someone else for labor I can do. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I can change out parts if necessary. Any and all input and insight is appreciated!
My truck is a '95 F150XL with the 6cyl. I *think* I have a bad heater core...
Terrible, terrible stink coming from the vents, and when I turn on the heat or defrost, nasty smelling smoke comes out of the defrost vents. It JUST started smelling bad tonight, and then BAM - the smoke started pouring out. It was TERRIBLE!!!
So...heater core? If so, how does one fix this in a '95? Is it something I can do myself? Time constraints aside, I don't want to pay someone else for labor I can do. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I can change out parts if necessary. Any and all input and insight is appreciated!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 12
From: Forest Hill MD
Yes heater core is the first place to start. Had the same thing on two explorers and a friends explorer. It is very inexpensive to do yourself. Garage rold me 3 hours @ 60.00 per. Did mine myself the first time in under an hour. Second and third time less than a half hour. Heater core is located under/behind the glove box . Pop the hoses under the hood where they connect though the firewall and it will almost drop out once the cover inside is removed. Just make sure you drain some anti-freeze first.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: N.E.
If you think your heater core is what causes the stink, just open the radiator cap and smell the antifreeze 
. If that smells the same way, then I say its your heater core.
But most antifreezes don't stink.
I'd say, check your blower motor and its housing. There could be some thing in there that crawled up and died or some debris (leaves, paper) that is burning against the resistors that are placed in the same area (at least in the van blower housings).
This should be the first check you should make, since it is easier to pull the blower motor out than the heater core.
Good luck!
. If that smells the same way, then I say its your heater core.But most antifreezes don't stink.
I'd say, check your blower motor and its housing. There could be some thing in there that crawled up and died or some debris (leaves, paper) that is burning against the resistors that are placed in the same area (at least in the van blower housings).
This should be the first check you should make, since it is easier to pull the blower motor out than the heater core.
Good luck!
Last edited by vanmancan; Nov 21, 2003 at 08:52 PM.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I'm going to say with 95% certainty that it's the heater core...there's antifreeze on the passenger floor (vinyl floors, thank goodness), and the smoke/fog that comes out has left something of a greasy residue on the windshield. Everywhere I've looked, these are classic symptoms of a bad heater core. Thanks for the input everyone...I'm going to have time to fix this tomorrow, I think.
Last edited by rmcdonnell; Nov 22, 2003 at 10:20 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 3
From: Northwest BC. Canada
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: N.E.
At top of the thread you didn't mention antifreeze on the floor.
Since that is the case, then it's heater core!
Since that is the case, then it's heater core!
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
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 810
Likes: 0
From: Pocahontas, AR
mcdonnell, it is for sure the heater core. I just replaced mine in my 90 bronco. Very easy to do, took about an hour (and this was my first time to do it). Unhook the glovebox strap on the side, then squeeze the glove box inward from the sides. Then the glovebox will fall out and the heater core is right there. Take out the 6-7 bolts holding it in, then pull out the core. Dont forget to take off the hoses first, this is what took the longest for me, was taking off those damn hoses, lol. Install in reverse order. Haynes book also helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 1
From: Concord, New Hampshire
Your problem is most defidently the heater core, my truck just spit one out tonight, on the way back from a realitives house, but i now have the anti-freeze smell in the carpet, what a bummer, but anyway it is pretty straight foward like everyone else has said but my question to you is how do you tell from a standard heater core to the high output heater core???? and the stuff on the windshield, thats glychol (sp?) and it makes a real mess while wiping the windows clean, but it seems to come right off with windex. good luck with your truck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wisdum
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
34
Jun 8, 2022 03:05 AM
treeves68
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Nov 16, 2018 08:39 PM
killerklown
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 21, 2012 07:42 AM
Frenchy
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Apr 19, 2006 01:54 PM
