has anyone had the experience of heater core failure - 2 in 60 days???? the first one started leaking sept. 6 and was replaced by dealer ( just under $500.00 ) everthing was fine until nov. 6 when the new one starts to leak. back to dealer - NOT happy - they state that indeed it is leaking again and that it was caused by some Ph. problem (highly acidic? ) and that they need to ground heater core with wire and ground engine block to body ( which im sure is done somewhere from design )and had to add some special additive meant for diesels. has anyone had this experience? where can i find a TSB if there is one for this??? do dealers have FoMoCo reps that come in for service issues that i may take this up with??? the dealer replaced the core n/c, however i am not sure they did the steps they say were necessary. thanks

 

How old was the original heater core and/or antifreeze? Seems to me they did or did not do 'something' when they replaced it the first time. At least they replaced it the second time n/c, but still would suck big time at any rate.

I've only heard that the cores themselves go bad if the coolent is left in too long. I've also heard of the ground strap thing, but not on the these 'new' trucks?

Changed my coolent when I first got it around 18 months ago and just changed it again a month ago.

Maybe we should invest in a PH tester to be sure.

Good luck

 

TSB Article No. 01-15-6

08/06/01


ISSUE

Some vehicles may exhibit (repeat) heater core leaks. This may be caused by a chemical reaction called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves an ion exchange between the heater core and engine coolant which can result in a breakdown of the heater core material. This is similar to the operation of a battery.




The coolant in our engine can become acidic and eat through the heater core. There are grounds to the engine to help control this and it is also very, very improtant to check the ph level of the coolant least every 6 months. It's also vital that the coolant be replaced at least every other year. Most owners fall short on both steps.

Checking the ph level is very simple and a dealer should do this every time you are in for any kind of service.

They should also have tracked down the reason for the initial failure and fixed it right/permanently the first time. There is a procedure that involves adding additional ground straps. I certainly hope they don't expect you to pay for this one as well.

 

You can check for a highly acidic ph level with a regular digital volt meter.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Electrolysis Inspection:

If there is a condition of a heater core leaking or repeal heater core leak, check for electrolysis using the following procedure:

1. To check for electrolysis use a DVOM set on DC volts. Place the positive probe of the meter in the engine coolant and the negative probe on the negative battery post.

2. Adjust engine throttle to 2000 RPM to properly get coolant flow and true electrolysis voltages.

3. If more than .4V is recorded, flush the coolant and recheck.

 

Never heard of such a thing on our trucks..