Heater core replacement instructions please?

PAULYC

MEMBER
2000 FORD EXPEDITION
4.6L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

Checked coolant and it was low so I added some to the reservoir and in just a short while the reservoir was empty again. Repeated this process several times and reservoir again and again went dry. No visible leaks under the hood or on the ground. Opened the driver side passenger door to check the heat on the roof vents and noticed coolant weeping out from under the kick-board trim! Same thing under the driver door rocker panel trim board where the carpet meets the door frame. There is a metal track running to the rear of the truck under those trim panels that houses an electrical bundle and the track was so full of antifreeze the bundle of wires were completely submerged. Where would this leak be coming from?

Image (Click to make bigger)

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning.

From the looks of it, you have a leaking heater core from inside the truck and the leak is hitting the floor board and trailing down along the kick panel. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Use a shop vacuum and remove the coolant from the channel. Over time it could cause wiring damage is you do not get rid of it.

The repair requires full dash removal to access the heater core.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

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

REMOVAL

NOTE: If a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be leak tested before it is removed from the vehicle.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Drain the radiator.
3. Remove the instrument panel. Refer to: Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Dashboard/Instrument Panel, Service and Repair, Removal and Installation, See: Dashboard / Instrument Panel > Procedures > Removal and Installation

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)