Hi guys, I don't post much since my 02 F150 has been awesome with 137,000 miles. My ex GF (yea ex..I am a pain freak), bought a 2002 F150 extended cab (though rear lights different than mine). She paid $3400 but I think she got ripped off and need some advice/tips. I changed oil and pan looks new, the end of the shifter stalk comes off so I am putting new shifter, planned on flushing radiator, pulled drain plug on passenger side and NOTHING came out!! Truck doesn't have good heat, anything there I should look for?? The odometer and the radio display are out, other than the radio/cluster pull, anything else to look at there??(fuse, ground etc). I was going to change plugs, can it be done without removing fuel rails?? A/C blows hot and I see compressor clutch kicking on, was going to try and refill, anything else to check?? The back seat is wet and the hinges on back panel rusted and she said back window leaking, I pulled third brake light but it can't be that, can I do a cheap caulking fix? ( someone put black RTV along top edge but at corners on down about a 1/2" gap), or does whole window need to come out?? I am only charging her parts and no labor, but I just want this POS out my barn (noticed needs brake job all around). When I turned on heat I could smell coolant coming thru vents, is this due to lack of coolant ? (resvoir was full). If you could, I guess just kinda break down my rant by issue and let me know what you think to fix some of this stuff and/or should she dump this truck now??? Thanks.

 

If you waltz yourself through the DIY's there is an article for just about everything you've listed.

Heater core replacement=big job
Rear window leak=remove and reseal
Plug change for the 5.4
Radiator flush ( I think that one is in there too)

Good luck

 

Thanks, on the heater core doesn't that usually leak when bad? Figured with no water in radiator that was probably heat issue..I have alot of searching to do.

 

Why don't you post more information about the truck such as what engine and transmission does it have? Geez!

When I changed the plugs in my 5.4, I pulled up the fuel rail on the driver's side. I didn't have to on the passenger side. It's really easy to do, just remove the screws holding it down and pull it up.

 

The smell of coolant through the vents is usually an early indication it's on the way out. But since the cooling system is in such bad shape, I'd do the flush and any other repairs to it first.

The P/O could have had some kind of leak issue and did an O.D. on stop leak, could be why nothing comes out of the drain plug. you might have to start with pulling the radiator.

Just yank the lower hose and flush it from the top, then flush it through the motor with the heater temp set on hot. You have to start it and turn the temp **** to hot before you start flushing because I think it's vac operated.

Walmart has those Prestone flush kits for about $5 or less.

 

I think she should dump the truck.

 

Definitely.

 

Sorry, 4.6, keeping forgetting about that 5.4, auto tranny. Alot of my post was to find out with the amount of time that may be needed to take care of issues, would it be worthwhile for what she paid for truck. I just finish installing a P1SC on my Mach, so I know how easy it is to pull fuel rail, just looking at it, wasn't sure how tall COP to clear. Thanks and have a nice day.

 

Well, she has to keep the truck for now so I am going to get the flush kit (been years since I got one of thoses lol), change thermostat while I am in there (I squeeze upper radiator hose and here fluid in there, nothing out drain so wonder if thermostat is OOC), do I need to do the block drain and where exactly are the plugs??(I used search to no avail). For the rear window seal (window is one piece), what is a roundabout price so I know I am not getting ripped off?? Next search is how to remove rear seat (I looked and couldn't see how to do it). Everything on the truck says 2002, but the tail lights don't look like mine. Are the tailights different on an extended cab??, or is it a mid year production thing ? (actual sticker in door says 9/01).I ask this so when I go to the parts house for things, do I say "It's for an 01 or 02" ? Thanks for the help and patience if I asking some stupid stuff as this thread goes on.

 

She won't be your ex by the time you finish all that work! Just busting your chops! You're a good guy for taking care of her.

 

Thanks LMAO at your comment. I have another question. Ok, my 1979 F100, I have a flush T installed and I put the spout onto the radiator top and connect hose and run truck till water comes out clear out top of radiator. Since on this truck all there is is the plastic POS resvoir, when splice the T into heater hose and hook up garden hose, obvious the spout won't go on radiator or resvoir, so what hose do I disconnect for water to flow out as truck is running for flush??
I also plan on removing theromstat and reattaching for flush with thermostat. Thanks for replies in advance and hope I make sense what I am asking (I used search, I put in "Radiator Flush" and don't see much, so please don't jump my *** if almost 99.9% of the forum know all this !!

 

Do I disconnect at upper radiator hose while truck running for flush?? Where is this drivers side block drain plug???

 

The top radiator hose is the return from the motor to the radiator. Pull that one from the radiator to flush the block and heater.

 

You don't need to disconnect anything, just leave the cap off the degas bottle and let it overflow. The spout is only to make it less messy.

 

Thanks guys, I added 2 bottles of flush and removed thermostat (original), so I will flush tomorrow.