Heater Core
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: LA
By all means do NOT buy the core at the dealer as most people doubt that the quality has gotten any better. There is some horror stories of the sucker going out again shorty lafter installation. I would go with a brand name aftermarket unit. Mine was a four seasons, if I remember right. Buy new hoses at the stealership.
George
George
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Did my heater core this week
I just did mine (97 F-150) this week with Don's instructions. I installed a NAPA unit ($45.00). Took me 5.5 hours with a friend helping on the actual moving if the dash. I did not completely remove the dash, just pulled it back and set it down an a small footstool on the passenger side. I took some pics of the dash and behind with it pulled back. I bought the hose disconnect tool at costplustools.com for $26.95 and picked it up at their local distributor's warehouse. I'd let it go for $20 plus shipping. I's a simple tool that you reach back in there and twist to release the tabs with. Do a Google for "Ford heater disconnect tool". Post a reply with your e-mail if you want to see the pictures of the crime scene.
Here's the link to the tool.
http://www.costplustools.com/store-products-Radiator--Cooling-Radiator---Cooling-SystemTools-SCH93440-Schley-Chrysler--Ford-Heater-Hose-Disconnect-Tool_39249.html
Here's the link to the tool.
http://www.costplustools.com/store-products-Radiator--Cooling-Radiator---Cooling-SystemTools-SCH93440-Schley-Chrysler--Ford-Heater-Hose-Disconnect-Tool_39249.html
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Best of Luck,here's a quick link to the instructions online
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/F-150...50_Exp_002.doc
Don
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/F-150...50_Exp_002.doc
Don
Last edited by 97fordf150; Aug 20, 2006 at 07:18 PM. Reason: correction
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, MS
What The Help
hOPIN YOU GET THIS. i JUST GOT SIGNED UP SO i AM KINDA LIMITED AND A NOVICE TO THE SITE. hOPIN YOU CAN HELP THOUGH OR DIREDT NE HOW TO POST THIS QUESTION. HAVE AN 89 F150 AND THE HEATER CORE IS OBVIOUSLY A BUST. DON'T WANT TO GET INTO CHANGING IT OUT NOW BUT WOULD LIKE TO BYPASS THE HOSES GOING INTO THE CORE. CAN I DISCONNECT THE HOSES FROM THE FIREWALL ( I ASSUME THAT IS THEM) AND CONNECT THEM TOGETHER OR CLAMP THEM OFF AND THE ENDS. wHAT EXACTLY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AND HOW CAN I CLARIFY WHICH HOSES TO CUT OR CAP OFF FOR NOW. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. BY THE WAY..IT REALLY IS LABOR DAY! LAST NITE THE TRUCK STARTED SILLING UP WITH SMOKE AND LEAKING INTO THE PASS FLOOR AREA..LUCKY I GOT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST IN TIME BEFORE ALL Removed by Admin: inappropriate comment for a family site l BROKE LOOSE! THANKS
Originally Posted by Johnboy_BoomerSooner
I wouldn't cut the hoses... Just my opinion though... they aren't cheap in comparison to straight hose, and the quick disconnects come loose from the core very easily. The only clamp I had trouble with was the factory compression clamp on the back hose. I found that a small pair of channel lock pliers worked the best... the bent kneck allowed a little more leverage than straight pliers. Anyway, you can pull the hoses, inspect them, and re-use them if they look ok, mine were fine. I used a piece of 5/8" heater hose about 16" long for the bypass, and used screw type clamps and angled them for easier access when I get ready to swap out the core. Either way, I haven't noticed any difference in engine temp or seen any problems with bypassing the core... it's just a little cool on the way to work in the morning.
I agree... what a PITA. I changed out the stock unit in my 85 Bronco this last fall... it lasted 20 years, no complaints here. It's unbelievable to me that I already have to change out the core in my 99 F150... what is up with that anyway? And what happened to the handy dandy access panel they put on the early 90 explorers? That is the best thing I had ever seen... 4 screws and you're in... 20-30 min. swap tops... Seems like they could have incorporated something like that into all the new vehicles???
I agree... what a PITA. I changed out the stock unit in my 85 Bronco this last fall... it lasted 20 years, no complaints here. It's unbelievable to me that I already have to change out the core in my 99 F150... what is up with that anyway? And what happened to the handy dandy access panel they put on the early 90 explorers? That is the best thing I had ever seen... 4 screws and you're in... 20-30 min. swap tops... Seems like they could have incorporated something like that into all the new vehicles???
Last edited by IB Tim; Sep 4, 2006 at 01:47 PM.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
...Welcome Wannaknowitall to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Helpful suggestion, try not to type in capitols it makes it real difficult to read for old eyes...like mine...
I know the guys here will appreciate it too.
See you on the boards.
….
Helpful suggestion, try not to type in capitols it makes it real difficult to read for old eyes...like mine...
I know the guys here will appreciate it too.
See you on the boards.
….
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Wannaknowitall, the 89 F150 is so damned easy to change out you could easily spend as much time screwing with a bypass and fixing the bypass later than just the half hour or hour it takes to replace the heater core. The 97 and up are the ones that are a real PIA to replace. They take me at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours to do in comparison in a full line shop.
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Ok all , this seems to be a F150 drawback as mine is now leaking... Who had the CD instructions for me as its my turn to tear the dash out.. Can anyone help me out?
PLEASE
Thanks
msmanabout@yahoo.com
PLEASE
Thanks
msmanabout@yahoo.com
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Dash removal instructions
Best of Luck,here's a quick link to the instructions online
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/F-15...150_Exp_002.doc
Don
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/F-15...150_Exp_002.doc
Don
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I had to do mine this past spring after biting the bullet and driving around with steam pouring out of my vents. I used the instructions found here and with only a little help from my wife holding the dash in place as I put it back in. Time intensive but necessarily difficult. I couldn't find the heater hose disconnect tool so I had to use a hacksaw blade to cut the inlets off the core so I could just pull them through the firewall and remove the hoses. Pain the in @@@, but it worked. The took me about 8 hours working alone with a few beverage breaks involved. I suggest painstakeningly keeping track of where all your screws came from as your remove the dash. I didn't take mine all the way out, just pulled the passenger side out enough to reach the core housing. New core at Autozone was about $50.
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
heat core on 2003 f150
Need to know if anyone has instructions on changing heater core on my 2003 f150 truck. Noticed the carpet getting wet on passenger side of truck and figure it must be the heater core. there is no odor so not sure that is the problem. if anyone can help will be much appreciated.