2000 Expedition Heater Core Bad

[One Mean Green]

I searched the forum and did not find anything useful in the archives. Today while out doing errands I noticed the pungent aroma of anti-freeze coming out of my A/C vents so it looks like I need a heater core replacement. Has anyone on here actually done their own? I called the local Ford Stealership service department and the want $830 labor plus whatever the parts run to change it out. That is just insane what they charge. So, my options are do it myself or stop using the heat and a/c altogether because it was in a/c mode when this problem happened. I did notice some anti freeze under the truck after I stopped for fuel. I checked the radiator level and it was okay. I did look at the videos on You-Tube and one idiot with a foreign accent and the video camera turned sideways explained it using words that were just about un-intellegible His video was useless. Anyone ever attempted their own? It looks like the entire dash and console need to be removed to get to it and I am disabled and financially unable to spend around $1000 at the stealership. I have owned many vehicles over the years but this will likely be my last Ford because of the sheer lunacy of their design.

 

[Jay87LX]

Just about every vehicle is difficult to do a heater core although some are easier than others depending on your mechanical ability. They are all usually in the dash which usually requires it being removed, some are accessible through the glove compartment.
You cant just say you won't own another Ford because of it- it's not the trucks fault. It can be done at home depending on the tools you have and abilities. I would check with a local independent garage for price although any decent reputable place is gonna charge decent money for their labor.

 

[Jay87LX]

Here is a decent video link, and the guys speaks fluent english. It's on an F150 but they are essentially the same vehicle as far as the heater core is concerned. You would need to decided if yuour capabilities are up to removing the whole dash
F150 Heater Core part 1 - YouTube
F150 Heater Core part 2 - YouTube
F150 Heater Core part 3 - YouTube

I actually just watched all 3 parts and it is an excellant video

 

[One Mean Green]

Thanks for posting those links, IDK why I didn't think about the F150? Well, after watching them I know I would be in over my head even if I weren't disabled. IDK what to do the trucks a great ride and its paid for and I don't need another car payment. I do have most of the tools but I don't have a good place to work on it.

I wonder how much coolant will leak out of the heater core if the a/c and heat are not being used long term? is there some sort of valve that shuts down the coolant flow when its not in use? I may elect to do with out the a/c and heat and do nothing at least for the short term.

My anger at Ford is due to the fact that they and others design vehicles that compel the vehicle owner to have repair work done at the dealer or other garage. I was formerly in building maintenance and we once had some architectural interns spend 2 weeks with our staff and they followed us around during our workdays. I made it a point to show them that just because you can design something doesn't mean you should. Examples of poor design included a plumbing chase between 2 restrooms that were 2 ft wide and full of pipes you literally had to crawl over to work on. Lights 30ft up in the air over a lobby that to change lamps required the usage of scaffolding. After their time with us hopefully some of them learned what you design has to be maintainable. Thats my rant for the day.

 

[Jay87LX]

You can do without heat but you can't do without defrost

 

[shadow460]

The heater core stays pressurized even with the heater off. Coolant will still leak out of it while the engine is running. I had most of the dash out of my F-150 trying to access the evaporator core, but when I got to the point of actually removing the large plastic part of the dash, I couldn't get it loose.
I put it all back together. The evaporator cleaning wasn't _that_ important IMO.

 

[cubit99]

I have the same problem with my heater core leaking in my 2000 model Expedition. I live in Florida so I am simply going to bypass the heater core altogether. This can be done easily under the hood. There are two hoses going through the firewall to the heater core. Simply undo the hose quick connects, insert the correct size hose splice and clamps and the problem is solved. Living in Florida for 2 years and have never turned the heat on, so this is a good quick and easy option for me. Tennessee has good winters, so you may not be able to do without, especially defrost.

 

[hortonguy]

I just did my heater core in my 98 eddy i have bin a mechanic for 20 years 15 of which were at a ford dealer and it still took me two full days not a job for the novice