Heater Core Issues

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 13, 2005 | 02:52 PM

83STICK

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Heater Core Issues

Hello All,
About 3 months ago, I replaced my heater core. It was leaking, causing antifreeze to fall in the cab. Not a difficult task. After this fix things seemed just fine. However the other day I was pulling out and gave it a bit more gas than normal, (because of the on coming traffic), any way, once again fluid came into the cab, with that all too familar smell....
So, my question is varied. 1) Is it possible for the heater core to only leak when you punch the gas? What's the best way to determine if this core has a problem? I've alreday replaced the core, as I mentoned, 3 months ago. Replaced the hoses, maybe a month ago.

Thanks, Brian

Jun 13, 2005 | 03:45 PM

mopar

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 88

Likes: 0

[QUOTE=83STICK]Hello All,
About 3 months ago, I replaced my heater core. It was leaking, causing antifreeze to fall in the cab. Not a difficult task. After this fix things seemed just fine. However the other day I was pulling out and gave it a bit more gas than normal, (because of the on coming traffic), any way, once again fluid came into the cab, with that all too familar smell....
So, my question is varied. 1) Is it possible for the heater core to only leak when you punch the gas? What's the best way to determine if this core has a problem? I've alreday replaced the core, as I mentoned, 3 months ago. Replaced the hoses, maybe a month ago.

Thanks, Brian[/QUOT

Remove core from truck. Fill with water, plug one end and with an air compressor set at 15 psi or less, blow into other end. Water will come out at leak, it may be hard to see if leak is small. Food coloring added to water can be used,(rinse throughly if used). I used a small compressor, (one you inflate tires with), and mine had a very small leak in the top.

Check hose clamps on hoses for tightness.
Have used Auto Zone & Advance heater cores; some had leaks out of the box. Last 2 trucks, purchased cores from Ford ($54.00; dealer cost) with no poblems yet.

Jun 14, 2005 | 09:13 AM

83STICK

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Great, thanks, I was afraid the autozone was the problem, guess you just confirmed it.

I'll let you know.

Thanks again.

Jun 14, 2005 | 12:36 PM

RR4E

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 984

Likes: 0

From: Winnipeg, Manitoba

One of the most common places to find a leak is right at the hose itself. Most people I know replace the hose clamps with the worm gear style, which will stretch after they get warmed up. Unfortunately, they don't shrink back, the threading bends, leaving them loose.

I've used the worm gear style clamps many times, and find that you have to re-tighten them once in a while to compensate for the stretch.

A better option, grab a set of spring type clamps, as they expand and contract with engine/coolant heat, and stay tight. They are a bit tougher to install in tight places, but it can be done with a bit of patience.

I spent a couple of years working as a motorcycle/sled/atv mechanic, and did an entire summer of R&R on brand new Polaris quad's under warranty due to the use of the worm gear style clamps on the oil cooler from the factory. Guys would head out, heat the machines up for a while, pull over to grab a coffee and a snadwhich, and fire them back up, head off into the mud, and have an oil cooler line blow off. Needless to say, there were very few we got back under recall that were not a complete engine replacement. The update kit included two new oil lines, and spring type hose clamps.

Jul 12, 2005 | 07:38 PM

sweet 76 f100 sh.box

Freshman User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 26

Likes: 0

From: central pa

mabey there was some coolant left in the housing and untill you pulled out faster than usual it didnt flow towards the interior? has it done it since?

Jul 13, 2005 | 08:43 AM

83STICK

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

this is what I did:
1) Took the new (3month old autozone) Heater core out.
2) Reattached it outside the cab.
3) Fired up the truck, let it run for ~20 minutes, then had my wife floor it a few times.
4) It leaked on the side.
5) Ordered a FORD part........

Thanks for your thought's and suggestions.
B

Jul 13, 2005 | 11:42 AM

Holmesuser01

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,137

Likes: 2

From: Asheville, NC

I have several Fords with store heater cores in them. I certainly hope that this is a fluke and not an example of things to come from our friends at AZ...