Radiator Smell
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, GA
Radiator Smell
1998 F150 4.6L with 88K
I have read the posts on this problem. Smells like I need to change my heater core. My questions are...
1. Whats the procedure for removing the dash?
2. What about that one screw saving 2-3 hours?
3. And is there any online pictures / intsructions that will help?
$950 dealer quote to replace a $50 core seems CRUEL !
I have read the posts on this problem. Smells like I need to change my heater core. My questions are...
1. Whats the procedure for removing the dash?
2. What about that one screw saving 2-3 hours?
3. And is there any online pictures / intsructions that will help?
$950 dealer quote to replace a $50 core seems CRUEL !
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I'm not an expert although I have just spent three days looking over everything I could to find a coolant leak.
I noticed a coolant smell after I sprung a small leak just infront of the firewall, smell entering through the vents maybe.
Is your passenger floorboard wet/damp?
Are the connections at the firewall from the heater hoses wet?
This is what I was told would signal a bad heater core.
I was told to disconnect the two hoses from the pipes in the firewall and check the orings to make sure they were good.
This is done by squeezing the plastic connectors and twisting the hoses while pulling them back. BTW they didn't come easy, I taught myself a few new words while trying to remove them.
I would check in the engine compartment for small leaks or runoff/blowoff before attempting the dreaded heater core R&R
I noticed a coolant smell after I sprung a small leak just infront of the firewall, smell entering through the vents maybe.
Is your passenger floorboard wet/damp?
Are the connections at the firewall from the heater hoses wet?
This is what I was told would signal a bad heater core.
I was told to disconnect the two hoses from the pipes in the firewall and check the orings to make sure they were good.
This is done by squeezing the plastic connectors and twisting the hoses while pulling them back. BTW they didn't come easy, I taught myself a few new words while trying to remove them.
I would check in the engine compartment for small leaks or runoff/blowoff before attempting the dreaded heater core R&R
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: So. California
A search will find you a step by step done not too long ago with pictures. It really is not an easy job. Have you shopped it at a radiator shop. Lots of rad. shops have a heater core guy that does them. Someone with a lot of experence is worth the money. Nothing worse than having the truck rattle all the time from that missing or broken fastner somewhere under the dash.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Kimberly, AL
Just had mine done ('98 Expy - 87k miles) by a local shop, took 3 weeks ( 
) and $718. I had a coolant odor and a leak from the right firewall area. The first time I took it in, they replaced the heater hose. A few days later I had smoke from the air vents, totaly fogged windshield, and a chokingly thick odor of coolant. The floor board was dry however...found out that it had leaked under the carpet all the way back to the front seats. Replaced core, and luckily they got it put back together with no rattles (so far).
) and $718. I had a coolant odor and a leak from the right firewall area. The first time I took it in, they replaced the heater hose. A few days later I had smoke from the air vents, totaly fogged windshield, and a chokingly thick odor of coolant. The floor board was dry however...found out that it had leaked under the carpet all the way back to the front seats. Replaced core, and luckily they got it put back together with no rattles (so far).
Last edited by kwb377; Nov 18, 2004 at 11:25 AM.