Heating Problem/Removing Power Steering Hose

[trawlings]

For some reason I cannot adjust my Explorer's heater. It always runs hot regardless of what I set it on. I keep reading about a heater box and a "blending door", but do not know where they're located. I've looked at both Chiltons and Haynes, but do not see any reference. Both manuals go inti great detail about cables on pre-97 Explorers, but nothing on the later models. I'm wondering if they're vacuum controlled.

Second question has to do with removing power steering hoses. While replacing my Explorer's alternator I decided to also replace the serpentine belt which I did after figuring out the belt tensioner. After checking to ensure the belt was installed correctly, I started it up and got hi pitched squeal. Shut the motor down and didn't see anything. Check it again after driving it less than 1/2 mile and found fluid sprayed everywhere. Look again and the belt has slipped and wore a hole in the hose near the a/c compressor. To make a long story short, how do I replace the hose.

TIA

Tom:confused

 

[TheJackal]

The blend door is located inside the air plenum and is controlled electrically via the Blend Door Actuator. These are located behind the Glove Box.
Do you get warm air when the switch is in "Max A/C" as well? Because when "Max A/C" is selected the heater core is supposed to be bypassed, so it should blow cold air then. If you get hot air in this mode it could mean something else.

There's 2 things that can go wrong with the blend door, the door shaft itself can break or the Blend Door Actuator can break.

If you search the site for "blend door" you'll find a ton of threads with useful information, this problem is very common.

 

[Cobraguy]

Actually Jackal, it should blow cold air in Max A/C regardless of the blend door. The coolant valve should be shutting off the flow of coolant to the heater core. But if that valve is malfunctioning, then it could stay hot in Max A/C. Turn your A/C on and go see that your compressor is running, and check the pipe temps coming out of the top or the evaporator to the accumulator and make sure they are cold. If so, then you should have water valve and blend door problems.

Use the proper flare fitting wrenches to unbolt the P/S hose. Note that the hose will still move in the fitting when tight and you wont think it's tight. It is and don't overtighten it!! Also, you get one shot at tightening it. If you have to remove it, you should replace the teflon seal again. Oh yea...go buy a new belt. Your belt you just put on is now ruined. I'm sure it's not only suffered some damage from rubbing, but it's oil soaked too. Might as well toss it. AND! Get a couple of cans of CRC BrakeKleen and go to work cleaning all the pullies. They must be spotlessly clean of oil or you will just ruin another belt.