When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 97' F150 4x4 with a 5.4L. As I was driving to work this morning I turned on the heater and soon noticed a distinct anti-freeze/coolant smell in the cab, presumably coming from the vents. Shortly thereafter, the inside of the windshield began to significantly haze/fog over, which was only alleviated by running the defrost on the cold temperature setting. Are these the classic symptoms of a bad heater core? If so, what are some good tips to use to fix it besides taking out the glovebox, passenger side kick panel, etc.?
Hi all, just wanted to let you know I'm pretty sure it's the heater core after doing more research. Autozone and O'Reilly's each want $54.99 and their's has a lifetime warranty. Ford's sells for $34.99 and has a 1 year warranty and they will charge me over $500 to do the job. So...I'm Diggin' In! Glove box is out and airbag is next...wish me luck! Oh...I do have a couple of questions:
1. Is it necessary to drop the steering column? I've read elsewhere that it can be done without dropping it.
2. Is it necessary to replace the O-rings on the heater hoses? If so, any ideas on who might carry/stock them.
I would get the o-rings and clips from ford. You will also need the foam that goes around the heater core as well. Mark your connectons well and get a box for screws your going to need them. Good luck
Hey everyone, thanks for the tips on replacing the heater core. I installed a new one after many hours of work and it is working great! I also sprayed some diluted bleach into the ductwork to kill any bacteria/mold. Unforturnately, I just realized that I am only getting heat/air through one path...it doesn't change to only the floor, defrost, or dash when I turn the selector ****. Right now it seems to be stuck on coming mostly out of the defrost and some out of the floor...little to none out of the dash. I'm pretty sure it's not the blend door cause' I can still control the temperature.
Thanks again for the help!
Last edited by naturalmeddoc; Nov 12, 2004 at 04:47 PM.
Reason: title
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.