Is it the heater core?
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: ashtabula, ohio
Is it the heater core?
HI,
I have read some threads, but still like some opinions - maybe I'm missing something. I have a 2002 Ranger 4x4. Smells like coolant when the Ac is then when I try the heater it's a much stronger smell. But I can't find any leaks. the floor is dry. Could it be something else?
If it's the heater core, do you think someone with average mechanical skills could change it?
Thank you!
I have read some threads, but still like some opinions - maybe I'm missing something. I have a 2002 Ranger 4x4. Smells like coolant when the Ac is then when I try the heater it's a much stronger smell. But I can't find any leaks. the floor is dry. Could it be something else?
If it's the heater core, do you think someone with average mechanical skills could change it?
Thank you!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
My guess is that it is indeed a leak in the heater core, maybe just a pinhole that allows for enough coolant to escape into the plenum to stink things up but not enough to make its way out onto the floor.
If you look at this diagram you can see why the smell would be evident when the AC is engaged, but even stronger when the heat is on. In particular, check out the temperature door and its relationship to the heater core. You can see that, even in cooling mode, the position of the door still allows for some air from the heater core area to be blended into the air that eventually makes its way out the vents.
Hopefully I'm wrong. It's not a simple fix.
If you look at this diagram you can see why the smell would be evident when the AC is engaged, but even stronger when the heat is on. In particular, check out the temperature door and its relationship to the heater core. You can see that, even in cooling mode, the position of the door still allows for some air from the heater core area to be blended into the air that eventually makes its way out the vents.
Hopefully I'm wrong. It's not a simple fix.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: ashtabula, ohio
My guess is that it is indeed a leak in the heater core, maybe just a pinhole that allows for enough coolant to escape into the plenum to stink things up but not enough to make its way out onto the floor.
If you look at this diagram you can see why the smell would be evident when the AC is engaged, but even stronger when the heat is on. In particular, check out the temperature door and its relationship to the heater core. You can see that, even in cooling mode, the position of the door still allows for some air from the heater core area to be blended into the air that eventually makes its way out the vents.
Hopefully I'm wrong. It's not a simple fix.
If you look at this diagram you can see why the smell would be evident when the AC is engaged, but even stronger when the heat is on. In particular, check out the temperature door and its relationship to the heater core. You can see that, even in cooling mode, the position of the door still allows for some air from the heater core area to be blended into the air that eventually makes its way out the vents.
Hopefully I'm wrong. It's not a simple fix.
Thank you for the reply and good information. You have made a good argument that it is indeed the heater core. I will go to a corner and cry now.
Thanks Again!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
One thing I should have mentioned. When MAX AC mode is selected, the hot water diverter valve will cut off the flow of coolant through the heater core. So you might be able to use that in your troubleshooting. For example, keeping it set to MAX AC, with the temperature dial also set to "full hot", try driving around for several days and see if you still get the same degree of coolant odor out the vents...
Replacing the heater core on your Ranger isn't easy, but it's doable. Do a google search of "Ranger Heater Core Swap" and you should get back some helpful links.
Replacing the heater core on your Ranger isn't easy, but it's doable. Do a google search of "Ranger Heater Core Swap" and you should get back some helpful links.
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