As absurd of a question as it may sound to others, I just wanted to know if the heater core still functions and is prone to leaking even if the ac system is never being used. I noticed fluid on my passenger side carpet and immediately thought of heater core as foxes are supposedly notorious for these breaking down.
Engine Can a heater core still leak if the ac is never in use?
- Thread starter dqureshi06
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Yes. The heater core and evaporator core are independent of one another.
You're already aware that hot coolant flows through the heater core. There is a restrictor stuffed inside of the inlet hose (remember this). Engine coolant flows through the heater core any time the engine is running. The heater [blend door] (operated by vacuum) mixes heater core air with cabin/outside air.
You have two options: Replace the heater core or bypass it.
Since you're in Virginia, I would suggest replacing it but doing the bypass until you have all your [collective stuff] in one sack to do the project. It's a weekend deal.
You're already aware that hot coolant flows through the heater core. There is a restrictor stuffed inside of the inlet hose (remember this). Engine coolant flows through the heater core any time the engine is running. The heater [blend door] (operated by vacuum) mixes heater core air with cabin/outside air.
You have two options: Replace the heater core or bypass it.
Since you're in Virginia, I would suggest replacing it but doing the bypass until you have all your [collective stuff] in one sack to do the project. It's a weekend deal.
Its a fair amount of work replacing the heater core, this coming from a first time doing this newby, but if you take your time and have some patience its not horrible... Now if you get into a " this begats that" ( like taking all of the surfaced rusted metal bracing off the back of the dash, cleaning sanding and painting it ) it will take a little bit longer.... Pictures really helped me put it back together..
This is a 6-8 hour job the first time if you are mechanically inclined. It's a well documented process that does not require completely removing the dash.
Here is how LMR does is and there is a lot of good info in there but its the loooong way:
View: https://youtu.be/6tfcezkPHA8?si=BY6Rz0hlx5fQjcD-
This is pretty much how I did mine the last time and it took about 6 hours:
View: https://youtu.be/AuuEFn-prIA?si=lKRZHK3PPVMsw3r6
Here is how LMR does is and there is a lot of good info in there but its the loooong way:
View: https://youtu.be/6tfcezkPHA8?si=BY6Rz0hlx5fQjcD-
This is pretty much how I did mine the last time and it took about 6 hours:
View: https://youtu.be/AuuEFn-prIA?si=lKRZHK3PPVMsw3r6
this is some BS... !!! i did mine years ago and went with motorcraft... !!! to hell with pulling all that crap off... !!!
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First...... Is it really leaking? I mean coolant? Coolant has a distinct smell, and it's sticky to the touch.
It maybe the condensation drain. Bugs and crude get in there and stop up the drain hole. If the carpet/floor is wet check it out before tear'n the box out.
Just say'n.
It maybe the condensation drain. Bugs and crude get in there and stop up the drain hole. If the carpet/floor is wet check it out before tear'n the box out.
Just say'n.
Any way you chalk it up its a pain in the ass. Be sure that you have the pressure restrictor installed or you will stand a good chance of popping the new one.
lmr.com
Mustang Heater Core Flow Restrictor (79-04) E7VY-18358
Reduce the coolant pressure flowing into your heater core with this heater core flow restrictor for 1979-2004 Mustang!
lmr.com
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