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Topic: Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor? (Read 1697 times) previous topic - next topic

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

I just purchased my Motorcraft heater core and blower motor to install and I am having problems finding a restrictor to put in the inlet hose. I installed new motorcraft hoses a couple years ago and the larger hose did not come with restrictor.

I had them look that hose up and they said the restrictor was in the hose for pre 1985 Cougar's and that one is not needed for my year car. I know I had an 89 crown victoria and remember seeing one in its heater hose.
Who has a 1988 Cougar, Thunderbird, Mark, Mustang or whatever and has installed or found the restrictor?  If so, anyone have one they could sell me?
Thanks!
Tim

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #1 –
Yes, it does.

You can buy one from PPI for $16.99 + shipping.

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #2 –
You read this thread, right?

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=6096

Official restrictor, a hunk of aluminum, a hunk of plastic, an old 1/4" drive socket, a brass hose coupling..... basically anything about 3/4" round with a 1/4" hole in it. You could probably put a 5/8" version in the goose-neck hose at the front if you wanted. Just something to slow down the flow.
Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

1988 5.0 Bird, mostly stock, partly not, now gone to T-Bird heaven.
1990 Volvo 740GL. 114 tire-shredding horsies, baby!
 

inlet

Reply #3 –
Just put a vise grip on the inlet it's ajustable to your needs.
 You can always use it for an a emergeny later.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #4 –
My goof, found out hose had one in it already when I had the heater core out. Still kind of funny no parts store knew what I was talking about, even the Ford parts department.
Thank you

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #5 –
When I had my heater core fiasco, I also purchased new hoses from Ford. One hose had the restrictor already installed and the parts counter guy did not know about it either!

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #6 –
ford number e1dz-18d358-b for 3/4" hose,
e7vy-18d358-a for 5/8" hose
both still availiable at ford.........:rolleyes:
-'87 turbo coupe with only 740 ORIGINAL miles.... :dunce:
-'86 turbo coupe, 5sp. Cali Car.......:cool:

Does my 1988 Cougar need the heater core restrictor?

Reply #7 –
I used a cable stop. It's an aluminum plug with a 1/4" hole in the middle, and the 11/16" outer diameter allowed it to fit perfectly in the inlet pipe of my aftermarket heater core. Granted, it was just too big for the oem core, but even so, it will fit in the 5/8" hose. It was under $2 for two from Ace Hardware.