Blend door problem...this is New???

[Calgary351GT]

Since having heat issues in my 07' Explorer, I have come to realize the whole blend door/ actuator thing is a real problem with Explorers. I have found plenty of info to diagnose such issues but mine seems to be unique.

First, we got the infamous 'clicking' sound from the blend actuator. Fine. Took it to a mechanic. He says the blend door is broke but I wanted to check for myself before dropping 1500.

The actuator is definitely slipping as I can see it trying to turn the blend door. My mechanics full of it, right? But wait. I pull the actuator off and check the blend door axle. It appears to be intact. My a mechanic is full of it, right? But wait again. I turn the blend door manually. It turns about 1/4 turn, freely each direction (which I have been told by Heatertreater is normal) and I can hear the blend door redirecting air. The problem is I still get no heat. Even with the fan on high.

Has anybody heard of this? What could it be? Can the blend door still be broken even if the axle is intact and appears to swing freely?

 

[edwx]

Usually the problem is inside the actuator. If you remove the actuator, and pop it open, you are likely to see a little plastic gear that is missing a few teeth.

 

[Calgary351GT]

Feeling kind of foolish. The no heat was because of the coolant being low. It just wasn't some thing I considered given the fact that the actuator went at the same time. (Obviously unrelated).