Heater Bypass
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 37
Heater Bypass
I searched til my eyes bled!! Is there a thread that discusses by passing the heater box to allow lower AC temps during the summer. We're getting 98F temps here in Socal and the only thing that kinda bugs me is how long it takes to cool my cab.
thanks
thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
Let me look up the post I did on this. Basically you put in a vacuum activated valve on one of the heater lines. I tapped mine into one of the vacuum lines so that the only way to get heat is if it's set for floor. Not a big deal at all in SoCal.
You could also get an electronically controlled vacuum solenoid to control when the heater core gets hot. I might switch to this.
Eric
You could also get an electronically controlled vacuum solenoid to control when the heater core gets hot. I might switch to this.
Eric
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
Here's a post I did with fairly specific instructions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=heater
Eric
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=heater
Eric
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Dryden ON.
What year is your truck?? I remember reading that at a certain year they(Ford)started putting something in to shut it off. Also I have heard of people splicing in a valve or "T" to keep it circulating, just not to the cab.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: Southeast Texas
I used the valve from this web site: http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...RODGROUP&ID=15
Someone here turned me on to it, and it works great. It says it's for the PSD, but the V10 setup is identical. It only shuts the heater core off on max A/C, so all other controls work as normal. My out-of-vent temps went down 5-6 degrees after the installation.
Someone here turned me on to it, and it works great. It says it's for the PSD, but the V10 setup is identical. It only shuts the heater core off on max A/C, so all other controls work as normal. My out-of-vent temps went down 5-6 degrees after the installation.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 420
From: Long Island USA
I just used a stainless ball valve with a big red handle on it. Spliced right into the heater hose, problem solved. I just pop the hood every fall and spring and open or close the valve.
Keep in mind whatever vacuum source you use, you might need heat w/defrost, not just floor
Keep in mind whatever vacuum source you use, you might need heat w/defrost, not just floor
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
I should clarify, the line I used works with floor and defrost. You can also tap in to a line to cut it off for max AC only.
I don't even know if I used the heater this year. Maybe a few times. That's why I chose to only have heat for floor and defrost. My parents live in MN where I grew up. I know if I lived there I'd be really careful about how I modified the heater.
Eric
I don't even know if I used the heater this year. Maybe a few times. That's why I chose to only have heat for floor and defrost. My parents live in MN where I grew up. I know if I lived there I'd be really careful about how I modified the heater.
Eric
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 8
From: OK
Originally Posted by nwo
What year is your truck?? I remember reading that at a certain year they(Ford)started putting something in to shut it off. Also I have heard of people splicing in a valve or "T" to keep it circulating, just not to the cab.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
My 2003 has a valve from the factory that shuts it off in Max AC mode. I disconnected the line so that I could have temp control in Max AC. Now that it is summer, I will probably hook it back up until next fall.
One question though - Why can't Ford just put in an AC system that has the capacity for the SD. This is by far the saddest AC I have owned in any vehicle. What the heck man ... why such a lame AC system!!!!
One question though - Why can't Ford just put in an AC system that has the capacity for the SD. This is by far the saddest AC I have owned in any vehicle. What the heck man ... why such a lame AC system!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
I agree, if you have a crew cab it takes a while to catch up. Doesn't the excursion have vents on the back of the front center console? Or are the ceiling mounted or something. If they are on the back of the console, it would be an interesting upgrade to a SD for someone who's really motivated.
One thing I really wish for was the ability to recirculate air in the cabin without fresh outside air and without the AC compressor on. There are times in winter when it would be nice to have heat, and not draw in fresh air, like if you're stuck behind an old car or something..
I've thought about that problem and it probably wouldn't be a hard thing to change. I'm guessing a vacuum controlled vent. Should be easy enough to put in a simple vacuum switch to control whether outside air, or inside air is used. Most other makes have this option, and even some fords.
Eric
One thing I really wish for was the ability to recirculate air in the cabin without fresh outside air and without the AC compressor on. There are times in winter when it would be nice to have heat, and not draw in fresh air, like if you're stuck behind an old car or something..
I've thought about that problem and it probably wouldn't be a hard thing to change. I'm guessing a vacuum controlled vent. Should be easy enough to put in a simple vacuum switch to control whether outside air, or inside air is used. Most other makes have this option, and even some fords.
Eric
Last edited by etcetera; Jun 6, 2006 at 04:04 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Eric, This is the mod that I did on my 2003. The system can run in Max AC mode, but I can change the temperature. Of course, you said without AC running and that is not that case. It allows you to run in recirc mode with the AC on and have some temp control, but it does not shut off the AC compressor.
My wifes expy has a far better AC system, it is sized right so that it cools quickly and maintains easily. It also has plenty of control options on the panel, like recirc without AC if you want.
I think that the AC issues in the SD is more than just vent size, it seems like the whole system is undersized. You do bring up a good point though... what do they do in the Excursion? Is it just as sad or is it much better. If is is better, wonder what could be retrofitted to the SD to make it work better. My crew cab in 100 degree heat is no fun.
My wifes expy has a far better AC system, it is sized right so that it cools quickly and maintains easily. It also has plenty of control options on the panel, like recirc without AC if you want.
I think that the AC issues in the SD is more than just vent size, it seems like the whole system is undersized. You do bring up a good point though... what do they do in the Excursion? Is it just as sad or is it much better. If is is better, wonder what could be retrofitted to the SD to make it work better. My crew cab in 100 degree heat is no fun.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 420
From: Long Island USA
CC's had the heater core shutoff valve from the factory.
Or at least, later ones did. I don't know where the cutoff was, but around 01/02 (03?) they added the cutoff valve for CC's only.
Or at least, later ones did. I don't know where the cutoff was, but around 01/02 (03?) they added the cutoff valve for CC's only.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
I think I'll take a closer look at a couple excursions. It should be pretty easy to pick up a center console from one that's been wrecked.
A friend had one a few years back, and it cooled well. I'm pretty sure they use the same compressor and condenser, I think it might have had a auxillary inside unit.
I know with the above mod I can get the AC to be pretty darn cold, it just takes awhile to cool the cab. My truck is white, which might have something to do with it.
I think I'll do a search on ebay and see what's available from a parts excursion.
Eric
A friend had one a few years back, and it cooled well. I'm pretty sure they use the same compressor and condenser, I think it might have had a auxillary inside unit.
I know with the above mod I can get the AC to be pretty darn cold, it just takes awhile to cool the cab. My truck is white, which might have something to do with it.
I think I'll do a search on ebay and see what's available from a parts excursion.
Eric
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
Didn't find any center consoles for the EX, but I did find rear door panels which have speaker grills in them. That would be a worthwhile upgrade instead of the stupid stock location. Also found an overhead console with rear controls on it.
Eric
Eric