After being disgusted with my favorite football team, I thought I'd go out and see if I could remove the cluster panel. I got some advice from some other members (thank you) and am planning on changing to LED bulbs. While it was a challenge, I did end up successfully getting it out (although I may have to hire a gymnast to get it back in as I am not sure I can twist my arm/body like that again). I thought the last couple times I'd drove it I smelled antifreeze, but never saw anything on the ground. As soon as I opened the door I found a puddle of it on my passenger side floor mat. Took a picture of where the drip is coming from. I'm beat. Hopefully this isn't to bad an issue. I'd been running the heater some to see if it worked. Fan works but no heat. Any ideas on the leak?
If your in luck, the hose clamps need tightening. (Easy - beginning YOGA) If not, it's probably the core. (Freshman - contortionist level). Strange that you have no heat - it may be coincidental that you were working on the cluster panel, and inadvertently popped off the cable from the control. (Now, stuck in "no heat" position).
if its the core or not...change it and the hoses...also take the new core to a radiator shop and have it tested before install. I've had two new cores to leak right out of the box...
I don't think its an AC car as I don't see that dial. The heat hasn't been working since I purchased it. Heres a picture of the dial, unless I'm missing something then its no AC. I've got the manuals fr the 73 from Ford which are great so hopefully regardless of what it is it won't be to tough. Good idea on replacing the hoses as well. probably replace the clamps to.
check under the hood, some people bypass the heater or put a shutoff valve that may not be stopping the complete flow of water...
Thanks for all the advice. The search engine gave me some great diagrams and directions. Since I have the cluster panel out, is it a good idea to keep it out while I replace the heater core or does it not make a difference either way?
And don't forget the fifth nut that holds the heater box onto the firewall if you are removing the whole box as a unit.
Search "heater core" on this forum and you'll get some helpful info on doing the job. Also before you drain your radiator, check your engine temp. On a different vehicle my engine felt warm but when I used a "point and shoot temp gun" (available from any hardware store on sale) I found that the engine temp was only 100 F. That's too low to get much heat from the core. I pulled the thermostat and found it was stuck open. I put in a 180 degree thermostat (a 195 might be better) and now my heat output is great. Good luck. MD
Thanks for the advice. The search engine here is great. I'll investigate everything next week as I am off work. Thanks for the help!
