1st gen heater core

[91WhiteSHOpa]

My heater core went bad two years ago, fogged up window, smelled like antifreeze, all that fun stuff..... Replaced it, and after maybe a month, went again.......Replaced again(Fun dash ....twice more actually.... 4 or 5 times total now....
Am I Missing something? What's the deal? The first one I seriously damaged the core once I got it out, so I don't really know that I can confirm that the heater core itself was the problem.... Is this just a matter of not tightening the clamps enough? or do I have to be REALLY REALLY careful putting on the hoses so that I don't shift or crack anything?
Copper heater cores from Advanced auto..
It was 18(F) outside last night, not much warmer tonight....I'd really like to get this fixed Any thoughts? right now it's bypassed.

 

[FordLover]

dang... that stinks.
Can you tell where they are failing at? That would be the first order of business I would think. I've replaced the heater cores in both of my explorers over the week, and I couldn't tell where either of them were leaking at.
If only it was as easy in the Taurus as it is with the Explorer.
The Explorer you remove 4 bolts from under the passenger side dash, remove plastic panel, remove core. Replace core, replace panel, connect heater hoses, enjoy total time: 15 minutes.

But anyhow, if the pipes are bending and cracking, causing your leak, you might try reinforcing them with JB weld or something before installing.
Good luck!

 

[shofun93]

my suggestion is to never use a copper heater core on the SHO. Ford still carries the Al cores for about $60. Second, you do have to be VERY careful with the inlet and outlet pipes as they can crack very easily durring installation. Also, make sure you flush the coolant and replace with new upon installing the new core. Lastly, make sure the cover box is clean and dry before putting it back in place.

Good luck

 

[DHMag]

also, make sure you reinstall the insulation that goes around the heater core on 3 sides. not only does this provide better heat, but also isolates the core in the housing.

 

[91WhiteSHOpa]

Awesome advice, thanks guys. I like the JB idea, because you can only be so careful when putting on a hose that fits that tightly in that nice comfy little space that once was called 'engine bay'.

I AM

 

[rangerj]

Try lubricating the heater hoses on the inside with a little anti-freeze or saliva before mounting them on the *******. They will slide on a little easier.

When removing a heater hose for replacement it is best to cut the hose and peal it off of the heater core *******, ranther than try to pull the hoses off of the *******. If you want to save a heater hose, and the heater core, then the hose has to be GENTLY worked off of the ******. The working room for this is NIL with the SHO, so it can take time to gently work the hose back and forth until it breaks free of the ******.

A heater core that has failed due to a broken or cracked solder joint can be repaired by a local radiator shop. If the failure is due to corrosion it is best to replace it.

As for the anti-freeze mixture, it should be mixed approximately 50/50 anti-freeze and water (approx. -35 F). The water should be distilled and Ph neutral water available at local grocery stores( mom or the wife use it in their irons so they do not get a mineral build up in the iron). The distilled water does not have the minerals in it that are in tap or well water. The minerals like lime, iron, calcium, etc, can accumulate in the system and block the water passages.

Most replacement radiators will have instructions regarding the use of distilled water. In fact most I have seen will not warrant the radiator if you use tap or well water. I do not know if this is true for heater cores.

Just some thoughts. rangerj

 

[91WhiteSHOpa]

Coolness....I've lived with well or spring water all my life, very familiar with the mineral deposits from hard water. But each of my HC's went(cept the first one) wihin a month or three of installation, not nearly long enough to have buildup do it.

Also, since I've been gettin em' from advanced auto, they're lifetime warranty cores, so I just kept swappin em out...lol.... of course that's a $20 product too..... What dif does the aluminum make vs the copper?