The heater core debate...
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The heater core debate...
With a baffle exactly centered in the top can and equal size tubes it will take a good argument from a physics expert to convince me that it matters which hose goes on which tube. I ain't arguing and kept in mind which one was where but since this is at least the second engine in this truck I ain't sure if they were "correct" to begin with...
Brent
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
all i know is that the ford service manual it says to hook them up with inlet to the right one in your picture.
on the engine it is the front most hose on the six, and the lower hose on the 302 and 351.
to me it looks like that will spread the hot water over the heater core with more coverage.
i do not know how yours was but mine is connected like ford says and heats like crazy.
on the engine it is the front most hose on the six, and the lower hose on the 302 and 351.
to me it looks like that will spread the hot water over the heater core with more coverage.
i do not know how yours was but mine is connected like ford says and heats like crazy.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
I don't see where it matters either, but maybe it's more of a hose layout thing under hood. From a heat exchanger heat transfer standpoint, I don't think it matters.
Oh, and before you get to replacing the core, I couldn't get one like that to fit in my 87. The four square corners of the core hit the curved top and bottom of the heater box and would not fit at all.
Oh, and before you get to replacing the core, I couldn't get one like that to fit in my 87. The four square corners of the core hit the curved top and bottom of the heater box and would not fit at all.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
If the core was mounted as in the photo no it would not make any difference but if it were mounted on its side it would and if the hoses were reversed you would get very little heat out of it even though the hoses were both hot.
This called an air locked heater and you would be able to hear a burbling sound as you would be putting water in at the top and the air would be trying to go to the top all the time.
They are mounted on their sides in vans. I am not sure how all the trucks are mounted and you can not always go by the lines sticking out as they may not give a clue as to the way the heater is mounted.
They sometimes use two different size heater hoses so you will not get this air lock condition.
This called an air locked heater and you would be able to hear a burbling sound as you would be putting water in at the top and the air would be trying to go to the top all the time.
They are mounted on their sides in vans. I am not sure how all the trucks are mounted and you can not always go by the lines sticking out as they may not give a clue as to the way the heater is mounted.
They sometimes use two different size heater hoses so you will not get this air lock condition.
Last edited by subford; Jan 3, 2008 at 11:28 AM.
Lead Driver
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
You know, I have had 3 trucks of this vintage and they all had or have pretty weak heaters. The air is only warm and there is not much airflow. Am I the only one with this problem? I figured it was just the way they are.
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Originally Posted by jas88
You know, I have had 3 trucks of this vintage and they all had or have pretty weak heaters. The air is only warm and there is not much airflow. Am I the only one with this problem? I figured it was just the way they are.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
I'm on my 2nd Ford truck of this vintage and both of them have always blown scalding hot air. You might want to check your heater core for blockage.
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I wouldn't wait for it to rupture... The coolant will fog the windows terrible and will need quite some time before it is not a problem. For 25 bucks and a 30 minute job it is worth doing now.
BTW 8 feet of heater hose is what I need for my 300-6 if you want to replace that too.
Brent
BTW 8 feet of heater hose is what I need for my 300-6 if you want to replace that too.
Brent
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
My 86 will burn you out of the cab, but I have a new core again, two already since I got it. Be sure to get a quality core, or you will wish you had. Mine never really fogged the windshield, but it makes quite the mess on the floor... If you have factory a/c, it is an easy job. I think by the time this series was made, they may all have been easy to do. Some of the early 80's trucks were a real PITA to do...
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Try an '86 T-Bird. Once I saw where it was, my decision was NO WAY!. Gotta pull the entire dash out to do the core in the bird.
Judging from that pic, I'd have to stand my ground and say I don't see how coolant flow direction would make even a hint of difference in it's efficiency, regardless of mounting orientation. Maybe if you had a bubble trapped that stopped flow in some of the tubes if it was on it's side, but the flow rate in that thing would eventually eliminate the bubbles. That's what 'burping' the core is all about anyway.
I ain't buying that which hose goes where makes a difference yet. Neither of my hoses has EVER been off my '92 to my knowledge. In fact, it's still running on ALL original factory hoses. To my knowledge, the coolant's only been changed ONCE in it's life-time. I'm the original owner as well, so I DO know the history of this truck. I went nearly 100K miles before having the coolant flushed/replaced. I was quite amazed that it was still as clean as it was. I'd NEVER had to add a drop in it's life. Gotta say, it's been an amazing truck for dependability and service.
Judging from that pic, I'd have to stand my ground and say I don't see how coolant flow direction would make even a hint of difference in it's efficiency, regardless of mounting orientation. Maybe if you had a bubble trapped that stopped flow in some of the tubes if it was on it's side, but the flow rate in that thing would eventually eliminate the bubbles. That's what 'burping' the core is all about anyway.
I ain't buying that which hose goes where makes a difference yet. Neither of my hoses has EVER been off my '92 to my knowledge. In fact, it's still running on ALL original factory hoses. To my knowledge, the coolant's only been changed ONCE in it's life-time. I'm the original owner as well, so I DO know the history of this truck. I went nearly 100K miles before having the coolant flushed/replaced. I was quite amazed that it was still as clean as it was. I'd NEVER had to add a drop in it's life. Gotta say, it's been an amazing truck for dependability and service.