Heater Core

[pathflounder]

How can I tell for sure if my heater core is leaking? I can smell it but can't seem to find that tell-tale drip.

[radjks]

Have you taken the heater core cover off yet? There is some "carpet" under it. Feel it to see if it is damp. Also check the two heater hoses around the firewall for small leaks.

[pathflounder]

I didn't take the cover off because I'm not sure where it's located. The last core job I did was about 10 years ago on a Mercury and it was located in the passenger footwell. Are they still located there or is it behind the black plastic cover with the vents cut in it over the trans. hump.

[BoostedOne]

Im assuming a late model here..
There is a pair of hoses coming from the firewall back in the recess where it turns into the tranmission tunnel. These hoses will come to the front of the front of the engine, or atleast one of them will go to the water neck area(havent messed with any V8 models).
Anyhow, what I did with my Ranger was I disconnected both lines, and I plugged the end of one with something, anything. And then the other one I jammed an airline fitting for my air compressor. I then proceeded to put about 25psi into the heater core with the regulator. Also, usually if your core is leaking the window will fog up when you turn on the heat, and you can smell the coolant(as long as you are using conventional coolants).

[pathflounder]

Yea, like I said, I'm getting the smell but no fogged up windows and no visible leaks yet. I need to look closer though before my warr. runs out............Thanx.