heater core leak replacement ?

1997 FORD F-150

102,487 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

DA_FORD_MAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

i have put 3 standard aluminium heater cores in my truck in 2 years. every time i start to smell anti-freeze from the vents, then see smoke coming from them, and finally it starts leaking anti-freeze out on the ground. i am lookin for a copper heater core b/c the ford dealership said that would fix the problem. could anyone explain what is causing the heater core to start leaking?

Aug 14, 2009 at 1:42 AM

BLACKOP555

✓Experienced Mechanic
10,386 POSTS

could be bad grounding. check to make sure all the grounding straps are tight and properly attached on the vehicle. These guides can help you change the heater core out with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your truck.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

If your truck had AC the system will need to be vacuumed down and recharged.

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to enlarge)