Feeling the 5.0 coolant blues

[RazorsStang]

So I was driving on hotter than usual days this week in the summer and yesterday it was hot. My temp in the car just kept going up higher than normal and I was thinking maybe it's time for a new stat, but on the way home there was steam, yes steam coming from the ducts that warm air is supposed to come from IF the defroster was on. But the defrost wasn't on, the a/c was and now I am assuming that my heater core may be retired. Is that the case? Just curious, what do you guys have to say?

 

[garystocker]

yup

 

[Daggar]

It may just have been condensation. Cold A/C on a hot, humid, day will make a mist from the A/C vents. You might also want to take a look at your air conditioner drain. It's on the driver's side firewall and drips on the stock header location. Stuff a coat hanger up there and make sure it's not blocked.

Edit:

Footnote:
If your heater core is leaking like you describe you'd have a pretty strong smell of coolant in the car.

 

[RazorsStang]

Thanks for the help! I'm gonna go get that heater core, it's only 17 bucks. I forgot to mention the coolant smell, which was also present. ugh...



DAMMIT!!!
Anybody wanna buy a 93 5.0? i'm kinda lazy.

 

[90mustangGT]

Thanks for the help! I'm gonna go get that heater core, it's only 17 bucks. I forgot to mention the coolant smell, which was also present. ugh...



DAMMIT!!!
Anybody wanna buy a 93 5.0? i'm kinda lazy.

Enjoy ripping out the dash!!!!!
How much are you asking for the car????

 

[Daggar]

Buy your heater core from Ford and prepare for the hefty job ahead. There's too many horror stories about ShlepBoys cheapo cores. Once you get the job done, you'll not be wanting to do it again any time soon.

 

[90mustangGT]

Or just delete the HVAC system, it weighs 42lbs. Or at least that is the way I see thing. Oh, and the AC system too, that's at least 50lbs too.

 

[1989MustangLX]

The only "Climate Control" I have left is the HVAC control panel itself. Though I am kicking myself for removing the AC. Hot as hell here.

 

[sgarlic]

When my heater core went bad, I could barely smell coolant at all.. just had the smoke from the vents and just a slight, slight hint of coolant smell.

The more curious question regarding this thread is, why was your car running hotter than normal in the first place?

 

[5.02GO]

I replace my core back in february. It was a job. I think i spent 14 hours on it.

I dont know about yall, but a had some screws left over.

 

[Mike97gt]

heater cores in any mustang is no fun.. you want too sell that 5.0 PM me mabe i can come pick it up

 

[Mark89coupe]

I also smell coolant, it happens when I move the temp control towards the hot side. I now live in Florida and dont need the heater, can I bypass the heater core??