Heater core replacement
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
Heater core replacement
Hello all. I love this site, so much information. I've got a 92 Aerostar 3.0 194000 miles that just started leaking antifreeze horribly out on my front right tire. My dad says it's the heater core and from the reading I've done it doesn't seem too hard. He's telling me to cut the quick connects and clamp the thing. I got the all copper one from AutoZone and was wondering what precautions I should take before I tackle this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
Welcome! 
First I would download your year (93 will work) cd from www.fordcds.com (beat '96 for once
) This is the factory manual which is better than chiltons or haynes.
Second, take back the copper core and get an aluminum core, it will last alot longer.
Third, I would check to see if you don't have a leak in the lower radiator hose (which is located there,) or the radiator. Usually you see a heater core as leaking in the cabin and hazing of the windshield (along with a bad smell)
First I would download your year (93 will work) cd from www.fordcds.com (beat '96 for once
) This is the factory manual which is better than chiltons or haynes.Second, take back the copper core and get an aluminum core, it will last alot longer.
Third, I would check to see if you don't have a leak in the lower radiator hose (which is located there,) or the radiator. Usually you see a heater core as leaking in the cabin and hazing of the windshield (along with a bad smell)
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Northern Michigan
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=167404
Lance,
Found this in my upteenth attempt at searcing for my own '97.This is one of the best.
Aerocolorado is to be commended
Lance,
Found this in my upteenth attempt at searcing for my own '97.This is one of the best.
Aerocolorado is to be commended
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 42
From: The OC
Listen to 93nighthawk, check every hose prior to going into the heater core. I put hose clamps on, because I have done 2 heater cores in 2 years. Access is tight, but do-able. Pops is right, remove the quick disconnects. Good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
2 front heater cores in same Aero in 2 years?
if so>
put a ground wire on that heater core and check/fix your other electrical system grounds....electrolysis kills aluminum, copper and sinks ships...
no more than 0.2v between coolant and radiator metal or ground or electrolysis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis
if so>
put a ground wire on that heater core and check/fix your other electrical system grounds....electrolysis kills aluminum, copper and sinks ships...
no more than 0.2v between coolant and radiator metal or ground or electrolysis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 42
From: The OC
Yes, 2 cores in 2 years. The first one I bought must have been defective and it expanded from a clog on the top row. That is what I get for buying a core "made in mexico"
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
Copper core is in, my dad and I decided on a mechanic. He told me the quick connects broke during removal. Still a slight antifreeze smell, but definitely not as bad. I'm going to check the engine grounds with some sandpaper and check for stray voltage. Next thing to fix is that bolt I rounded when I tried to remove the transmission modulator. Again thanks all for your help 
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
Heater core is changed! Help! Just found source of leak! Heater hose going into W/P has hole. What size (goes in on top) of heater hose goes into the water pump? 3/4 and 1" has hard time fitting. Any help would be appreciated!
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
It is a FLARED hose that goes on the Water pump.Found this out the hard way. I was tryin' to force a 3/4 on there for an hour with no luck
Try 1'' to 1''/1/4 hope this helps I had a junk van here and finally robbed one of that, thats when i saw it was flared.Duh...Oh well live and learn. it sprung a leak right at the pump so i cut it off not noticing the flared end.>good luck<
Try 1'' to 1''/1/4 hope this helps I had a junk van here and finally robbed one of that, thats when i saw it was flared.Duh...Oh well live and learn. it sprung a leak right at the pump so i cut it off not noticing the flared end.>good luck<
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
The reason for the leak on mine was because the previous owner rigged a pipe that fit into the cut-off end of the original flared hose, with a say, 1" hose over the inlet and over the old flared hose. He used that as a makeshift flare, and it worked, for a while I suppose, but it was that piece of 1" hose that had bursted. My dad had to call 5 different stores and then drive 7 miles down the road to get that special hose. All is well now.