4.2 Blown Heater Core
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Maple Grove USA
4.2 Blown Heater Core
Hey All,
I just got the news from my local Ford dealer. I have a bad heater core. I was experiencing a bad anti-freeze smell in my cab, and i had smoke coming in through my vents, even when the heat was off! So i brought her in, and sure enough that was the broblem. Unfortunately, on the 4.2's, the A/C needs to be pulled and un-charged, so, consequently needs to be recharged, anyway, for told me about $1100 total for install and labor, and recharge. So, anyway, i shopped around and found a place for $900. I was just curious, anyone else have this problem? ~~F1FiddyGuy
I just got the news from my local Ford dealer. I have a bad heater core. I was experiencing a bad anti-freeze smell in my cab, and i had smoke coming in through my vents, even when the heat was off! So i brought her in, and sure enough that was the broblem. Unfortunately, on the 4.2's, the A/C needs to be pulled and un-charged, so, consequently needs to be recharged, anyway, for told me about $1100 total for install and labor, and recharge. So, anyway, i shopped around and found a place for $900. I was just curious, anyone else have this problem? ~~F1FiddyGuy
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 3
From: Mpls
4.2 Blown Heater Core
Sounds like "electrolysis."
Ford did issue a TSB about this. Basically, there is a chemical reaction between the metals that can literally turn the coolant acidic, resulting in a leaking heather core. They need to install additional ground straps to the engine and heater core. This can happen if the engine isn't thoroughly grounded or if the coolant isn't changed regularly.
The cost of a heater core replacement is so high because they need to remove the entire dash. They do not have to drain the A/C system though. The Ford manual says to but it's not necessary.
When you have it fixed, have the reference Ford TSB 01-15-6.
"Some vehicles may exhibit (repeat) heater core leaks. This may be caused by a chemical reaction called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves an ion exchange between the heater core and engine coolant which can result in a breakdown of the heater core material."
Ford did issue a TSB about this. Basically, there is a chemical reaction between the metals that can literally turn the coolant acidic, resulting in a leaking heather core. They need to install additional ground straps to the engine and heater core. This can happen if the engine isn't thoroughly grounded or if the coolant isn't changed regularly.
The cost of a heater core replacement is so high because they need to remove the entire dash. They do not have to drain the A/C system though. The Ford manual says to but it's not necessary.
When you have it fixed, have the reference Ford TSB 01-15-6.
"Some vehicles may exhibit (repeat) heater core leaks. This may be caused by a chemical reaction called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves an ion exchange between the heater core and engine coolant which can result in a breakdown of the heater core material."
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Maple Grove USA
4.2 Blown Heater Core
That was real helpful! I have a few more questions, you seem very knowledgeable. So, I'm not planning on taking my truck to the dealership, they were too expensive...will a different, "non-ford" general repair shop still follow the TSB and install grounding straps?? Another thing. Being it was a TSB, is it a recall that ford would pay for?? I know it's probably not, but anything to save money would be worth a shot. Being 19 and in college, money is tight, so the cheapest is the best!
Again, thanks AJRagno.
Again, thanks AJRagno.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 3
From: Mpls
4.2 Blown Heater Core
Any repair shop can do this and will be familiar with the problem.
Regrettably, I don't think you can get Ford to help cover the cost on something like this. Partially because it is just a TSB and also because it's something that most people should be aware of (I know most people have never heard of it but, that would be their position).
You don't say what year your truck is or the mileage. If it's a 1999 or newer, with less than 50,000 miles, you could call the dealer service manager and ask if any AWA (After Warranty Adjustment) could be offered in order to have it repaired at the dealer. The dealer may go for it because they are basically just installing $35.00 worth of parts and the rest is labor. AWA means that the customer/dealer/Ford each pay a portion of the repair bill. They usually only do this to hold onto loyal customers but considering that a good tech can do this in a few hours, they may go for it and still make money.
Regrettably, I don't think you can get Ford to help cover the cost on something like this. Partially because it is just a TSB and also because it's something that most people should be aware of (I know most people have never heard of it but, that would be their position).
You don't say what year your truck is or the mileage. If it's a 1999 or newer, with less than 50,000 miles, you could call the dealer service manager and ask if any AWA (After Warranty Adjustment) could be offered in order to have it repaired at the dealer. The dealer may go for it because they are basically just installing $35.00 worth of parts and the rest is labor. AWA means that the customer/dealer/Ford each pay a portion of the repair bill. They usually only do this to hold onto loyal customers but considering that a good tech can do this in a few hours, they may go for it and still make money.
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New User
Joined: May 2002
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From: Maple Grove USA
4.2 Blown Heater Core
Hey All,
Sorry AJRagno, my truck is a 1997 with 89,000 miles. No chance whatsoever for a Ford Reimbursed repair. Anyway, i got the problem fixed. The part was about $135, and labor was about $800...so, it's fixed, but my wallet hurts. Bad. Anyway, It's all good now. If I had more patience and knowledge about cooling systems, I would have definately done it all myself. Talk to ya'll later.
Sorry AJRagno, my truck is a 1997 with 89,000 miles. No chance whatsoever for a Ford Reimbursed repair. Anyway, i got the problem fixed. The part was about $135, and labor was about $800...so, it's fixed, but my wallet hurts. Bad. Anyway, It's all good now. If I had more patience and knowledge about cooling systems, I would have definately done it all myself. Talk to ya'll later.
