HEATER CORE LEAK

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

I have question about a slight smell I am getting in the cab when heat is on, it is anti-freeze smell. It is not super bad and can't see any leaks under hood or in the cab. I think the heater core must have slight leak under dash, any way to fix with out tearing the whole dash out..???

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

Was wandering if anyone has tried the radiater stop leak to fix this.. or would it do any good??

[XavierBK]

Taking the dash out really isn't that difficult in this truck.

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

ok, but that doesn't really address the original question, or is there any other place the smell could be coming from.. thanks..

[XavierBK]

From my experience swapping heater cores in my 720 there are only two coolant tubes coming into the cab, the feed and return, between the blower and heater core. You should be able to see them and where they connect to the HC from the passenger foot well. There's a good chance you might not see anything if it is still a small leak as the carpet will wick it away.

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

Thanks, I will look under there tomarrow. noticed one of those hoses had alot of play in and out when I moved them under the hood. the truck has mat floor in it, and I haven't seen anything on it yet.. Can hoses be tightened from underneath or can you even get at them..??

[ben1]

According to my Haynes, the whole dash doesn't need to come out, just the console box around the shifter, the package tray, and some of the ducting, all which is very easy to do in my experience.

Wouldn't mess with the stop leak unless you plan on junking the truck soon anyway, would probably gum up your radiator and heater core and not give a permanent repair anyway.

[XavierBK]

The dash is only an extra ~10 screws, plug the gauge cluster. Gives you much more working space when it is out.

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

Thanks all.. Looked at it today and appears the leak is coming from the preasure pipe that goes into the heater core. I don't think it is the hose, but alot of discoloration around that area. cleaned it up and will check again to pin point leak. If it is the core can they be fixed like the old radiators, or can aftermarket still be found..?? Thanks again for checking the manual..

[ben1]

Aftermarket cores can be had for around $50 special order from any local parts store. Probably not worth repairing it.

[XavierBK]

I'd also be prepared to re-insulate the heater core box as your 30 year old insulation is probably going to disintegrate when you take it apart. Or you can skip that step like I did and suffer being cooked in the summer time, lol.

[SCREAMING EAGLE]

I am sure you are right, the little insulation around the little flap that the heat blows out of is touch at your own risk, so I am sure the other is the same. I will wait until it warms up. I am driving truck daily to work, and leaving the ford parked. Unless we have huge snow then I might park the 720 and fix the core.. Thanks for the help guys..