Simple question for someone.....

[Troutman]

What is this thing? It is leaking antifreeze and obviously needs to be replaced...but I have no clue what it does or what it's called??? If I remove the vacuum line it stops leaking.

 

[Stephen S]

That's the heater control valve. It regulates the flow of engine coolant through your heater coil so your heater will work when you turn the dial. The vacuum line opens and closes the valve when you turn the knob on the dash. It's an easy fix, but it's a Ford part (dealer only), so it's a little expensive.

 

[Troutman]

Thanks for the help! Apparently the seal is bad where the alum. rod goes into the valve. It leaks/squirts when activated.

Troutman

 

[DonM]

$22 is what i paid for one today! Brand new too.

Mine was leaky as well.


Don

 

[Troutman]

Originally posted by DonM
$22 is what i paid for one today! Brand new too.

Don

hehe....now that I can handle did you get it from a dealer?

whenever I hear the words "ford part", I automatically assume $100 or over...LOL

 

[2001ExpSport]

Ford can be full of BS when they say it is a OFrd only part. I have bought MANY Ford only parts at the local family own auto parts shop here. On the other hand, Pep Boys and Auto Zone won't have the parts. Now that I think of it, they usually never have anything you actually need.

 

[DonM]

I took it to a local auto repair shop(Flannagans). Im not sure if it's a Ford part or not, i can go check!

I could have done it my self but i wasnt sure where it was and what i was getting into till after they put it in and showed me the work they did.


Don

 

[Stephen S]

Those valves are almost notorious for leaking. It's a pretty common problem. But the fix is easy...just a few hose clamps to take off and the hose slide off. I had to get my new one from Ford, because Auto Zone and those type of parts stores didn't carry it. I don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't $100.

 

[Troutman]

Originally posted by Stephen S
Those valves are almost notorious for leaking. It's a pretty common problem. But the fix is easy...just a few hose clamps to take off and the hose slide off. I had to get my new one from Ford, because Auto Zone and those type of parts stores didn't carry it. I don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't $100.

I was kidding when I said $100. It just seems that parts direct from ford are pretty expensive. I can't recall the exact prices.....but I recently replaced my front rotors and was shocked at the price difference buying them from an aftermarket source.

The heater control valve looks to be about a 10 minute repair .......my favorite kind