1999 Mercury Sable Heat System

1999 MERCURY SABLE
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BAY
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Heater problem
1999 Mercury Sable 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive 165000 miles

I just replaced the leaking Antifreeze Reservoir and noticed that the heating hose along the firewall was cut and plugged at each end. Also, it seems to take a fair bit of time before I actuall get heat and then it doesn't seem to be as hot as it should be. Is the cut/separation of the hose related to this. Why would it be cut and plugged in the first place. (Obviously this was a used car when I bought it.)
Feb 11, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Most likely they looped the heater hoses due to a leaking heater core. This is due to the fact that the entire dash has to come out of the car to replace it, very expensive and time consuming repair
Feb 11, 2009 at 4:19 PM
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BRAVESTAR1
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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The problem with not fixing a leaking Heater Core is, eventually it will fail entirely and leak antifreeze into the car's interior which is a smelly and time consuming process to clean up.

If you plan on continuing to drive this car, and live in a relatively cold climate, then it's worth it to have the heater core replaced, and then you'll not only have heat, but a well functioning cooling system.
Feb 11, 2009 at 10:02 PM
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