1997 f-150

Steam and coolant smell come thru the vents. No visable leaks. Doesn't matter if the heat is on or not.

 

Sounds like the heater core is leaking. If you end up replacing it yourself, send me a PM with your email address, I will email you a Word document with a complete write up on changing the heater core.

 

Ditto what bigdaddy said. Heater core is very common failure. People recommend a aftermarket copper heater core, lasts longer then Ford.

 

Bigdaddy,

I have to replace my heater core in my 1997 F150 also. Could you possibly send that document to me also?

I started to replace this heater core today and found that this was not going to be a few hour job. I jumped online and found a few sites that explained that the dash needed to be pulled out to do this I just do not have the manuals to check on how to do this job. Not sure what manuals would?

I will PM you with my e-mail address and if you don't mind sending me anything you have, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

Sounds like you have a leak in the core---just liek the others have said. get the advice/instructions on how to do from these guys---they know what they are doing---and best of luck---it is not a fun job...

Tim C.

 

I appreciate the advice. My e-mail is obxdennis@yahoo.com. I would like to look at the replacing the core. Might be more than I can handle if I have to pull the dash.

Thanks

 

You guys have mail.

 

Big thanks to Bigdaddy!

With the instructions you sent me I changed that heater core this last weekend. And like others have said, "what were those engineers thinking!"

Followed the instructions and all went very well. I pulled the dash, as I am a larger size guy and made the job a bunch easier for me anyway. I had one screw left over, but nothing is rattling yet

It took me 12 hours using the bagging screws per job number method, and I highly recommend it.

One thing I had a problem with is that on the page for the removal of the air bag, it shows the module and the three screws that mount it that you have to remove. It shows the module less the cover, thinking that this air bag cover was similar to relay cover I started to take the air bag cover off I found during the first pull something wrong like a ripping, I stopped and looked under that flap and noticed that the cover was part of the air bag system, or at least it seems that way. I then removed the mounting screws and the whole cover and air bag assembly came out as one unit.

I only tore one of the three sections on that breakaway flap area and it does not flop around but I thought I would mention that.

Worked on cars in the 70's and I do not have a clue about air bags.

Again, thanks a bunch for the quick reply and the doc it saved me a whole lot of cash.

Cheers

Chuck

 

Could you possibly send me this document as well (michaelandgabby@yahoo.com)? Same symptoms, I am going to try and replace it in couple of weeks.

 

Well this answers one question I was wondering - if copper's compatible with heating systems/anti-freeze etc.

Chuck, you probably know this already, but you should consider replacing that airbag you damaged, you don't know a) if it will still deploy and b) if it will deploy correctly, and safely. I think, even if you replace the bag (and will know you're safe and up to standard) you'll still be way ahead on cost than if you'd paid some clown to do the job.

 

Just had the same smell and thought the same thing about the heater core. However it was only a leaking coolant reservoir tank!!!!! Don't tear into that heater core until you are sure that is it. These plastic reservoir tanks are a problem. They get a thin crack on the bottom or side and leak just enough antifreeze onto the inner fender to be smelled inside the vehicle!!!! They are not terribly expensive and very easy to replace. Take it off and look for a hairline crack somewhere. Pressure forces the coolant out thru the crack that maybe don't even look like a crack! Believe me you can smell it inside the vehicle. The last time I had a heater core rupture I had wet carpet. Don't know if your vehicle would react this way or not. Check the reservoir!

 

I will check that, however my windows are fogging up pretty bad so I am pretty sure it is the heater core.

Chuck, could you foward that document to me (michaelandgabby@yahoo.com)? I plan on doing this Saturday with a mechanic friend of mine. Thanks.

Mike

 

If steam is coming out of the vents it is a Heater core issue. IE Heatercore needs changed. Good luck with that, I had mine done for me. Helped a buddy do his, and knew I was not even going to try to do mine.

Scotty!

 

so im a newb here for posting, but have used the forum for help in the past. now i have the coolant smell and the steam as well. from what you guys say it sounds like a long job.. i really don't want to pay that damn labor. so if any one could help me out with those instructions, i would very very much appreciate it. i want to know exactly what im getting into. granted i will try to get some other help with the task. also, i noticed the sound of liquid in the dash during acceleration from a stop. should much driving be done with these problems? thanks
mark

 

pjb999,

Thanks or the advice, I had called a friend to ask about that but he was out and I had to leave out of town myself for a bit. Need to contact him to find out what to do.

Luckily I don't haul anyone around in my truck, my wife gets that honor

98Stepside, I sent BigDaddyII's document to you, and VaBctruckin I sent you and e-mail asking for the same.

Thanks,

Chuck