Heater valve is it correct? | Ford Explorer Forums

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Heater valve is it correct?

patarch1

Active Member
Joined
March 14, 2008
Messages
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City, State
West haven ct
Year, Model & Trim Level
97 Ranger
Hi
As I was checking the fluids on my 97 ranger 3l, I had the truck running for a couple minutes and then saw a leak at the Heater valve. The yellow coolant was dripping from the shaft that operates the valve.
Has anyone had this issue already? See pic and the yellow drop of coolant for more details
Thanks
Patarch1
 

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Those valves usually start to leak at 8~10 years so you're pretty much on schedule. Some aftermarket replacements only last a year or less so I would opt for genuine Ford on this one.
 






Thanks,
I am assuming I willhave to flush the coolant to replace this valve.
patarch1
 






I know this is an old post but thats the part I need! How much was it from the dealer and did it fix the leak? Did you have to flush the coolant?
 






hi,
that was a long saga but I will make it short:
The first time I replaced this valve, it leaked after 6 months, from the same area. The part was purchased at Napa and replaced by an independent shop.
The second time was harder to diagnose as I could not see the leak but the truck smelled awfull until one day I saw some smoke and the coolant pissing from the valve actuator arm.
I ordered an OEM replacement from RockAuto on the net, replaced it myself and it has been good for many months.
The burnt coolant smell stayed for a few weeks though.
I did not flush the coolant. The part was less than 20 bucks and the independent shop charged my 1/2 hour of labour.
That is the story.
Good luck
Patarch1
 






The valve actuator arm is attached to the heater control valve correct? so you had to get another one?
 






yes you need to replace your heater control valve, it is the entire manifold with 4 hoses and a vacuum line attached to it

it is VERY common for these to leak, they have been used by Ford since 1991 in the explorer/ranger

It is 4 hose clamps to replace, you will hardly even lose any coolant replaceing it, as it sits at the top of your heater/cooling system
 






Yea thanks I found it yesterday it has 4 hoses going into it called the dealer and its 26 bucks will stop and pick it up later today.
 












Just my two cents.....The replacement from NAPA is garbage!!! As others have posted, get the genuine Ford valve. I went through 3 napa valves on my 97 until I installed the Ford part....Been working like a champ for over a year, no leaks!!!
 






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