water leak

[Happy harry]

I've been told I need to replace my heater core. My trucks symptoms are:
A coolent smell on the outside fromthe passanger side, a fluid leak from a spot
way up a hose connnection by the firewall(only when the heater fan or
the air fan is on).The heater works,the de-frost works,but the coolent level
drops a little and the smell increases. There is no sweet smell inside the cab
or any moisture near the glove box.
My truck is a 2002 rord,ranger, and I touched the leaky water,and it felt cool.
I barely could reach my arm up and above the tire,but when I played with the hose,it leaked more.
I wonder if I remove that mud sheild above the tire if I can get to the hose
and connecting fan motor of valve.
What is that part called that I discribed?
Is there a picture or some advice that would help or should I have a pro do the job.
Thanks for the oppertunity to ask for help. I hope you have safe driving.
Harry,the happy

 

[Maniak]

I moved your post into its own thread and changed the title so its not lost in that long thread you posted it in.

~Mark