About a week ago, I noticed a "maple syrup" smell coming from my air vents, but it only happened when the heat was on. I looked on Google and found out that this smell is caused by coolant, and most likely means there is a problem with the heater core. The next day, my mom wanted me to drive and have the heat on, so I left the heat on for about 10 minutes, turned the truck off, went inside for about 5 minutes, and when I came out there was a little river of coolant coming from under the truck. I checked the coolant level (in the coolant reservoir tank) and it was completely empty. I opened the drivers side door, and noticed coolant had leaked onto the carpet. Every forum and website that I have seen has said if there is a problem with the heater core, there will be coolant on the PASSENGER side... Also while driving, the windows fog up, and I can't clear it off. I have gone through 4 bottles of coolant in the past day and a half, and need to get this fixed. I'm a college student (with no advance knowledge of cars) and don't have the money to go to a mechanic. I know that the heater core is only about $50, and I'd rather do it myself instead of pay a mechanic the ridiculous labor charges. If anyone could tell me if the problem is really the heater core, or maybe one of the hoses (I don't know how to check those) and could possible give me detailed directions (or at least point me in that direction) that would be GREATLY appreciated.

Truck Stats: 1998 Ford-F150 V8 5.4L Supercab

Once again, thanks for reading this, and I hope someone can help me. I need to get this fixed!

 

Yes your heater core, is bad, and it won't get better even after you put in a new one. Check out electali-- heck I can't spell it but it ias anunsolvable problem.

 

is it coolant, or water? yes the heater core is shot, ^^^ that guy needs to stop talking. it is fixable. replace your heater core. look up some "how too's" on how to do it. have a mechanically inclined friend help you as well. you may also want to flush your coolant system. DO NOT USE STOP LEAK!

 

Looking at the time stamps id say this got fixed lol.

 

Gal Darn It! dang noobs...

 

There is a video on you tube that shows you how to relace the heater core in your 98 F-150. And it is pretty accurate. And yes the problem is fixable, how ever you will have to fix it very often. I have put in seven, done all the flushing changeing grounding restricking. Believe it the problem will only go away when you sell the truck. I have over 2 hundred k on mine. Will do the core again in a week or so. I still have my truck, Hence I still have my problem, un fixable. No one has ever been able to solve it. Like I said read about it.