[rammanpr73]

I began driving this morning and began to smell coolant, seconds later I had steam coming from my vents. then I noticed coolant streaming down from behind the glove box onto my floor mat. I drove back home and checked my hoses they are fine. I then pulled the glove box out of its spot and found coolant dripping from somwhere back there. Can anyone tell me what has happened and point me in the right direction to getting it fixed. Thank You!

 

[twobit]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

probably your heater core has sprung a leak.

 

[rammanpr73]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

Is that somthing I can fix or do I need take it in. I have 87,000 miles on my 2002, I dont think it will be under warranty. Would it?
If not would I be better off at a dealership or a private place. I dont know any diesel mechanics. (have'nt needed one until now).

 

[Kev]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

My experience with a heater core isn't too awful, it's pretty doable depending if you are mechanically inclined or if you even want to do it. No specific diesel mech needed. I suggest a local shop if you have a good one in mind. I wouldn't do it myself because there is a price cap for my laziness and a heatercore wouldn't reach it. Good luck!

 

[twobit]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

last one I replaced was in an 87 ford pickup. It was behind the glove box. If you are ok with taking part of the dash apart to get to it it is simple to change once you get down to it. It looks like a tiny radiator about 8x15 inches. Heater hoses are attached to it. It can be bought at auto zone or NAPA...ect. If you are going to get it done, go to a radiator shop or a good mechanic. It is not a diesel or a truck thing, all automobiles have heater cores. Or take it to Ford but pay way more. It is not under warranty anymore with those miles. Also you are not going to be able to drive it without getting it fixed. You can temporailly plug the heater hoses that go to it to get it to a shop if it is leaking real bad.

 

[twobit]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

call autozone or NAPA and get a price for the part. Then call Ford and some other shops to see what they charge. That might help you decide if you want to tackle it yourself. I would do it myself, but that is just me saving a buck and getiing it done right.

 

[klhansen]

Re: coolant puring into passenger side of cab

[ QUOTE ]
Also you are not going to be able to drive it without getting it fixed. You can temporailly plug the heater hoses that go to it to get it to a shop if it is leaking real bad.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just get a piece of heater hose and install it going between the two heater hose connections on the engine. Then you can drive all you want. You'll just be cold. Replacing heater cores or any other work behind the dash is a PITA /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif.