I start my 97 F150 xlt 4x4 4.6 liter with the heater and A/C in the off position. About a minute or so later, I start to smell antifreeze and can see fumes and a light fog coming from my heater/AC vents. Smells really bad! I am afraid to drive it because the fumes cannot be good for the lungs. Someone please point me in the right direction. I think it might be the heater core, but I know that is a real pain to remove and replace.

Eric

 

Time to change the heater core.

 

I can feel your pain!

Just had the same ordeal happen to my 1999 F150 4x4, the heater core had aquired a leak in the very bottom. A replacement with material and labor was in the $ 450.00 range. The entire dash was dismantled to gain access. If you do not due this repair yourself, make sure you check and double check for alignment of the dash and steering column upon replacement. Local garage had oh.......about 15 screw and clips left over when they "thought" they were thru, the gear indicator (P,R,N,D) was off 1/2" and it also gained a click under the dash when the brake pedal was applied while in reverse.(grrrrrrrrrrr) A 5 hour project ended up costing the garage a additional 12 hours due to there lack of attention to detail, let alone the aggrevation of being with out transportation for 2 days!!!!

 

I've been there before...smell, fogging window, holding my breath for miles on end.

Are you mechanically inclined? Then do it yourself is the way to go. I did mine with no more than standard tools and some good directions from a mechanic friend that works for Ford...oh, and some quality time with your truck.

It's somewhat painstaking in detail, but straigthforward if you take your time and follow the directions.

Want some help? Let me know.

Scott