I just did a search and couldn't find anything too similar to what I'm experiencing:

'97 F150 4.6 V8 4x4 73,000 miles
There is a strong smell of anitfreeze in the cab and my defrost is failing to "unfog" my windows, even after 7-12 minutes of driving.
I noticed tonight that my truck appears to be leaking ANTIFREEZE from the AC-water runoff hose (located on the passenger side near the rear of the motor) that usually leaks water after the AC has been on...
The radiator hoses look good and from all indications there is antifreeze coming out of the AC condensation run-off hose.
Anyone know what the problem is? A faulty heater core?
Things look good (no antifreeze or strong smell) behind the glove box, just the strong smell in the cab when the defrost is on and the puddle of antifreeze underneath the cab...
THANKS.

 

Souinds like the heater core to me, man that is a shiattty job too

 

Yup, heter core, good luck

 

I'm a graduate student (poor and I have no time)...what is the average price with labor on a new core? I've read on here it is an 8 hour job? $300-500?
Is it typical for a heater core to go after only 73,000 miles?
The truck is 10 years old...

 

Its probably more like $600-$800. The dash has to come off to do it. Not for the typical DIYer. Figure an 8hour job @$80 an hour is $640

 

The 600-800 price is pretty right on. The part that is really going to **** you off is the part is only about 60-100 bucks.and that is estimating High. man they bury that thing in there. but it isn't just Ford, GMC, CHevy And Dodge are all the same way. I helped a buddie change one in a sonoma. Talk a bout a PITA. Big time. Ford may be worse First line says HAVE A/C system Discharged. Basicly It goes like this. Discharge AC. Find and disconect all lines, ac and heater, from fire wall. Remove Insturment panel (AKA DASH).remove heater core replace heater core and reverse for install.

What a crock of Crap. Can't tell me they didn't do this on purpose. Trying to make more money on service.

SCotty

 

$750 for one last year in my 97.

 

You do not have to discharge the AC system so don't spend $$$ on having that done. I have done so many on my truck that I have lost count. Not sure if it is 5 or 8 times. The last 4 have been copper cores. It is tedious, but not difficult to do. Flushing and changing the coolant at least every 2 years will go a long way to preventing this from happening. These trucks are also susceptible to electrolyse.

JMC

 

Check out the HVAC forum, I got a thread going in there somewhere with some pictures and directions so you can see where you'll stand trying to do your own heater core. It is a labor intensive job, but if you've got a good assortment of basic hand tools and some know how, it's something that you and a buddy could easily tackle over a weekend.

 

I live in AZ, so this may not be an option for you, but I'd just bypass it entirely. I have done that in several cars I've owned over the years. Also, if you do have it replaced, make sure when they're in there they GROUND the new one appropriately. It custs down on the electolysis and cen greatly extend the life of the new one.

 

I am attending school in Portland, OR and need the defrost to work EVERY morning.
I got a quote for $587 installed with a one year warranty. I really hope this one lasts for as long as I own the vehicle. In the 2.5 years and 35K miles I've put on it this is the only problem I've had.