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Clogged heater core?

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Old Sep 25, 2004 | 05:46 PM
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Clogged heater core?

I let my 88 warm up, but I don't get any heat. Checked the coolant level (when cold of course) and it is ok.

One heater hose gets too hot to touch (like the rad hoses), the other heater hose (the one leading to the pump) stays cold.

I'm thinking I need to disconnect both hoses, connect that cold hose to a garden hose and reverse flush the core.

Any thoughts? War stories?
 
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Old Sep 26, 2004 | 05:17 AM
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So far I would think you're on track. Is there a valve inline with a heater hose? Check for temp before and after it.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2004 | 03:23 PM
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BOTH heater core hoses should be hot. If only ONE is hot then the core is probably plugged. If they are both hot then it could be a blend door problem. AeroColorado or someone should be able to help you with that problem. Good luck!

-Matt
 
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Old Sep 26, 2004 | 08:52 PM
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Well, I went to the autoparts store and bought 2 5/8" heater hose repair kits (plastic pipe and 2 clamps) then I went to the Home Improvment store and bought a female hose repair fitting.

I cut the heater hoses, and put the female hose fitting on the heater core outlet hose. I then hooked up the garden hose (through a spray nozzle so I'd have control of the flow). Put a 5 gal bucket under the free end of the heater's input hose and turned on the water.

I got a bucket full of gray glop. The former owner had mentioned having the heads redone, so I think that's the culprit. (Yes he was the sort to simply say oh well and have no heat for 3 years)

I cleaned up, and used the repair kits to reconnect the hoses, fired her up, and voila! Heat!

Booya!
 
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Old Sep 26, 2004 | 09:31 PM
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That's what I call ingenuity!
 
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Old Sep 27, 2004 | 05:52 AM
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Good job! Well worth the time and effort. Better than changing the core out!

-Matt
 
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Old Sep 27, 2004 | 01:00 PM
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I'll put that one in my book of tricks. Great thinking and we appreciate the tip!
 
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Old Sep 29, 2004 | 09:41 PM
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Glad of it helps someone else.


Just for clarity, the garden hose attaches to the heater hose that leads to the water pump. That way you are reverseing the flow of liquid and pushing whatever is in the way back out the way it came in (and obviosuly could fit through any openings)
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:33 PM
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How about my heater problem, the rear heater works but the front one does not blow hot air, any ideas.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:36 PM
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sorry forgot to mention, both the hoses to the heater are getting hot.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:37 PM
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Probably a plugged heater core as well. Feel your heater core hoses and see if they are warm. Could also be a blend door problem.

-Matt

EDIT: You got in just before me. I would guess blend door problem.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:38 PM
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heater

now how do I get to this blend door and were about's is it.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:40 PM
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I am not sure about the Aerostar. It is not my "forte". You could do a search on it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...earchid=325230

-Matt
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 09:42 PM
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yes I guess so thanks anyway beast12.
 
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