While driving home tonight, all the windows fogged up and the sweet smell of antifreeze overcame the cab. The engine didn't overheat and nothing indidcated bad on the engine. What all other areas does anyone recommend in checking other than the heater core?
OK, now does anyone know of a good way to remove the heater core hoses? I understand you are to press the tabs on the hose at th firewall and pull the hose off as they are a quick disconnect fitting. I must be doing somthing incorrect. As I press the tabs in, but the hoses dont release. Is there a trick that has to be done here to remove these?
Thanks
romeodz

 

That would be the only thing i can think of is that the heater core is leaking.
usually they don't use quick disconnect fittings on heater hoses, they usually use them on A/C lines, to get them off you need a special tool, and to properly remove the refrigerant.
but unless you need to remove the A/C lines to get the heater core out i wouldn't mess with the A/C lines

 

I have been having the same problem. I have a 2002 F-150 4.2. let me know what you find out when you mess around with the heater core. Thanks

 

Make sure you keep an eye on your antifreeze level when driving around with a bad heater core...

 

the hoses connecting to the heater core do use quick disconnects, it's just a bitch to get a hand in there. the best wai found to get the hoses off, (having done this just two days ago) is to; get up on your front grill, while on your knees, cram your left hand back to the fire wall just left of the hoses, have another person grab a firm hold of the hoses, disconnect only half of the quick disconnect than the other and the hoses should come right off. another problem you'll incounter is the foam/rubber whole spacing. the one that is wrapped around the hoses. since the area in the engine compartment is so limited you'll have to pull it through the fire wall. i ended up breaking one of the quick disconnects. and FYI it's 11 bucks for a new one at a local parts store

 

Thanks for the help here. Its now 7 months later and I still have to replace the heater core. (I bypassed it during the summer). Question is: Does the A/C have to be discharged to replace the heater core, and is there any other difficult areas ? This is on a 1997, 4.2.

Thanks

 

i have never done it on a 97 but i assume you should'nt have to mess with the a/c try to avoid it at all costs. the heater core has nothing to do with the a/c so i see no reason to discharge it

 

I agree with the my fellow Wisconsinite.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Do any of you know how long it should take to replace it?

Thanks

 

when i did it on my 93 f-350 it probably took 2 hours total because of all the stuff in the way and the tight area to get your hand into