Changing Heater Core Inlet Tube...whats involved?

[Triton46]

I just ran up to NAPA, they had the whole inlet heater tube from the core to the water pump for $20. Since the car is 11 years old, I figure it would be good to change it all. I've never changed anything out on the water pump, so what do I need to do to prepare for this?


1) Do I need to drain the radiator?

2)Will I lose alot of coolant through the pump?

 

[Triton46]

Wasn't too bad. I got the hoses mixed up when I first posted. The inlet for the core has a hose running from the engine. The outlet from the core has a hose running to the water pump. The hose didn't look to bad, but that 'clamp' Ford puts on there is worthless. I don't think it securing the hose to the core completely.

After 11 years, the hose didn't look too bad but changing it will increase the life and decrease the possibility of losing it (and my coolant) down the road. The hose was almost fused to the engine after not having been removed since it was built.

The original hose went behind the alternator and under the upper radiator hose and wound around beside the airbox to the core. While taking it off this seemed to be a little cramped. The hose had to make almost a 90 degree turn coming off the engine. I rerouted the hose under the upper radiator hose but over the alternator (side by side with that hose that is clamped to metal, I believe it carries oil to the AC).

By rerouting, the new hose does not have to make so many drastic turns and flow should be smoother. I also noticed the hose was at the end of the engine mount, so I secured the new hose as far down as possble. Took a test last night and the leak seems to be gone. I think its a good idea to change the heater core when I change the radiator since they both have almost 100k on them.

 

[Stephen S]

Glad to hear that you fixed the leak Triton.

 

[Jag]

Hey Triton46.......

are you a regular over on f150online? Think I recognize the name.

 

[Triton46]

Thats me...but since I got my 'project' Explorer I've been spending less time over there.