Anti Freeze Leak

[KillerXLT]

I had a slow coolant leak last Feb. I took it to the dealership and they told me I needed a new water pump. 350 for the total job they told me. I'm a college student so I put it off until I had the money. Well I've been driving it since then. and no problems as long as I don't turn on the AC or Heat. When I do that the anti freeze drains rapidly. I drove over 10,000 miles maybe more since then. I just noticed yesterday that there was anti freeze leaking from what looks like the thermostat. This was after a ride to the train station and I had the heat on. I heard a hissing sound from the anti freeze leaking onto the engine. Now when my father bought his 2001 EB EX he had talked the Dealership into throwing in a new water pump for my EX into his deal. Just the part not an install. LONG STORY short, Should I replace the thermostat and not the water pump since the water pump is such a PITA to change? Or pay to have them both done by a local shop? LONG STORY short, Should I replace the thermostat and not the water pump since the water pump is such a PITA to change? Or pay to have them both done by a local shop?

 

[mrboyle]

Take your X to a reputable shop and tell them you have a coolant leak and would like a quote on what it would cost to repair it (DO NOT tell them what anyone else has told you, where you think the leak is or that you already have a water pump for it). After they inspect your X for the problem ask them if they could show you exactly what they found (play ignorant). If they are honest they will have no problems showing you what is going on. If you feel satisfied with their diagnosis and price let them do the work. If it does need the water pump let them know you have one (make up some story, like it was given to you by a friend that sold his X and had it as a spare). If it doesn't need the water pump DON'T mention it.

The reason I'm telling you NOT to mention anything is this: when someone brings a vehicle in for a repair and says "I think its this" that's the thing the shop will focus on and possibly not pay attention to the rest of the cooling system. If whatever "this" was is fine and the true problem isn't obvious they may say there isn't any thing wrong and send you on your way. As for parts, most shops don't like customers to provide their own parts (cuts into their proffit). If they know before hand you already have the part they may jack up the labor to make up for the loss. If you wait and get the quote in writing and then ask if they will install your part, they are obligated to charge what they already quoted you.

 

[KillerXLT]

Thanks for teh help. I'm going to check it out.

 

[KillerXLT]

I brought my Ex to the local Mineke. Did not mention what the dealership said. The replace the $8.00 Heater Control valve and now my heat works. It is true that we are all human and make mistakes but if you work for a dealership there is no room for a misdiagnosis esp when your going to charge the customer $350.00. It cost me $20.00. DAMM DEALERSHIPS!

 

[AgExplorer]

Glad to hear you found the inexpensive fix for your X. The heater control valves are notorious for leaking. I've replaced a couple myself.

 

[93Cobra]

Where is the heater control valve located? Is it on the passenger side of the engine bay, and when it leaks does it leak onto the headers? That's where my coolant leak on my 95EB is coming from (looks like a valve). Please help!

 

[KillerXLT]

Yes it is on the passanger side. Yes it leaks down onto the headers. Its on the top of the engine. If you go to the Stealership just ask for a heater control valve.

 

[01EB5.0]

Yes the heater regulator is located on the passanger side and it will drip on the header. I had the same problem. just remove the 4 hoses and the vaccuum line and install the new one and your set. very easy installation. It sounds like that ford dealer was either overlooking the part or just trying to get money from ya because these valves are known for failing after they are like 4 eyars old due to the rubber diaphram cracking.

 

[93Cobra]

Thanks KillerXLT & 95XLT! It is always nice when the problem is cheap.

Scott

 

[01EB5.0]

Just rtemember the drip pan under the truck when you do it...the heater core will dribble some