(Also posted in HVAC...but probably more visable here)

I highly suspect that the heater core has gone bad in my truck. Though I have seen no evidence of leakage in the cab or engine compartment, I've smelled antifreeze and it kept getting worse. When I bypassed the heater core...no more smell.

My question is this...can I use one of several radiator stop-leak fixes that I've seen??? Would it fix a heater core leak to get me through the winter? And my biggest fear --> Could this lead to more problems with the whole cooling system/water pump overall? Should I just bite the bullet and swap out the heater core?

Sorry about all the questions, but I'm a bit leary of things that say it won't hurt the system...compatable with all antifreeze...cannot over-treat your system...but will stop all leaks. Sounds a bit "snake oil-ish" to me.

Thanks in advance...Scott

 

Change the core and your coolant. The reason the heater core failed is probably because your coolant became worn and acidic. Acidic coolant causes electrolysis between the various metals in the cooling system. The heater core is particularly vulnerable.

In the future, have your coolant pH tested every year. If it becomes acidic, flush out the system asap.

There was also a very informative post along this line along with a bulletin from Ford regarding electrolysis and how to test for it.

Read Ajragno's post in the following thread:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=90500

 

I am not certain, but think I read in Ford recalls, through a search engine, that there is a recall on heater cores. You may get lucky and get a replacement from Ford. Good luck.
Check this site, http://www.alldata.com/TSB/20/012076DA.html

 

Mine went bad too. At first I only smelled anti freeze, then finally it started dripping. The aluminum Ford heater core is $100. A brass one was $20 and in my opinion better, so I bought that from Pep Boys. Works great for a year now.

 

Laneman...thanks for the reply.

Did you replace the heater core yourself? If you did, how nasty was the job and how long did it take?

I'm thinking of doing mine myself and any insight into the mess I'm going to get myself into would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...Scott