Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: mcb82gt on August 25, 2010, 05:57:08 PM

Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: mcb82gt on August 25, 2010, 05:57:08 PM
Ive been noticing coolant on the concrete under my car. :yuck:  Ive narrowed it down to coming out of the AC condensation drain on the firewall. :barf: Im sure this means heater core.  Is there any other possibilities?  Please tell me there is..... :shoothead

The heater hoses are all perfectly dry above it.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: tbirdsps on August 25, 2010, 06:00:18 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;333430
Ive been noticing coolant on the concrete under my car. :yuck:  Ive narrowed it down to coming out of the AC condensation drain on the firewall. :barf: Im sure this means heater core.  Is there any other possibilities?  Please tell me there is..... :shoothead

The heater hoses are all perfectly dry above it.


I'm thinking you ought to review the dash removal instructions.  Heater core.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: vinnietbird on August 25, 2010, 06:17:57 PM
Quote from: tbirdsps;333432
I'm thinking you ought to review the dash removal instructions.  Heater core.

X2.

Don't get excited. It's really not that big of a deal.It took me 9 hours the first time....6 hours the second time, and ALMOST an hour the third time.There's a write up on here that shows how to do it simply.Literally,it took me less than an hour (but almost an hour),was hassle free,and made it a no brainer.I think now I could do it even faster.Just a few fasteners,swap the core,re-install.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: vinnietbird on August 25, 2010, 06:22:59 PM
Go here....study it....gather your thoughts....take a deep breath....realize that it isn't really as bad as it looks or as bad as it's made out to be.........NO BIG DEAL.....

http://www.coolcats.net/tech/troubleshooting/heatercore.html
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: mcb82gt on August 25, 2010, 06:57:53 PM
Quote from: tbirdsps;333432
I'm thinking you ought to review the dash removal instructions.  Heater core.


I was looking at that after I posted this thread.  It doesnt look too bad :flip:

Ive heard the Ford part isnt available anymore, what is the best replacement?  I read about soldering a bracket, but I didnt really understand where that was supposed to be.

Where are the aftermarket pieces failing?  Tubes,Core,Seam etc??
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: Bob on August 25, 2010, 08:22:49 PM
I replaced one and than 6 months later I yanked the tube right out of the core while changing the lower intake.  That really sucked.. Goto the coolcats link it will show you all the bolts and that little hidden one near the steering wheel lol
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: BogusSVO on August 26, 2010, 10:22:24 AM
Before you even think about installing the new heater core, add more solder where the tubes meet the core

the cheap auto parts store cores are soldered thin, and the vibration of driving will work them loose.

I had this happen on my bird, new core in and 3 months later it formed a crack in the solder joint.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: 88CougarGT on August 26, 2010, 11:47:40 AM
Screw it, just route the heater hose outlet into the inlet.  You don't need heat. Heat is for weenies and girlfriends.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: cougarman on August 26, 2010, 12:08:36 PM
Yeah the one's from Autozone have a habit of de-soldering them selves too!!! I had that happen at least 3 times on different Fox's
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: mcb82gt on August 26, 2010, 01:39:04 PM
Quote from: 88CougarGT;333560
  You don't need heat..


Maybe in San Anton.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: vinnietbird on August 26, 2010, 05:22:56 PM
My Autozone core has been great for 3 1/2 years.I also had one on my last T-Bird that lasted about 5 years with no issues (probably longer,but I parted the car out).
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: tbirdsps on August 26, 2010, 05:44:30 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;333592
My Autozone core has been great for 3 1/2 years.I also had one on my last T-Bird that lasted about 5 years with no issues (probably longer,but I parted the car out).



Ditto for me.  Four years ago.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: vinnietbird on August 26, 2010, 05:50:26 PM
I think,at times,it's installing the hoses...removing the hoses....and back and forth that can wear out the pipes and their solder joints.BUT,I haven't had a bad one to deal with as some have.As with any part from any place,some turn out bad.I've bought Autozone alternators that last for years,and a couple that lasted a day.....if that.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: mcb82gt on August 26, 2010, 10:17:04 PM
Sounds like a  shoot..... Im not sure which one to get.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 27, 2010, 01:33:38 AM
Here ya go:D: http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-18476AF/79-93-Mustang-Original-Ford-Heater-Core-For-Mustang-With-Factory-Air-Conditioning-A-C
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: BogusSVO on August 27, 2010, 10:49:02 AM
Mike... It is a  shoot... no matter who you get the core from, just look at the solder joints and decide it they are up to par or not...

If they look thin to you then add some to it...

its not that hard to do
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: 88CougarGT on August 27, 2010, 10:59:03 AM
When I finally breakdown and do mine, I plan to add the copper brace between the hoses.  Pulling my engine is what killed mine (I think when I disconnected the hoses, they were pretty stuck).

Get some stock copper from the hardware store and sweat solder it on.
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: sarjxxx on September 05, 2010, 02:55:32 AM
I'll be doing mine in a couple weeks too. Can't wait.

I got an AZ core that's been sitting around, in the box, for about 1.5 years. Well, Have fun, see you on the other side!!!
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: V8Demon on September 05, 2010, 10:46:40 AM
It's a 2 hour job if you follow the directions on Coolcats.  Be sure that the restrictor is put back into the core inlet line...
Title: I think I see big hassle in my future
Post by: mcb82gt on September 05, 2010, 06:50:18 PM
Will do.  My brother got a Ford one from Green auto sales for 80 + 10 shipping.

Just trying to decide which one to get.