steam comming out of vents smells of coolant

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eaglesoaring

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I have a 2000 Expedition that I think the heater core has taken a turn for the worst when its put on defrost I have steam and the smell of coolant but its a small leak since very little coolant is being lost just want to make sure that I'm headed in the right direction don't want to pull it apart and find out it something different. There is no coolant running on the ground and the passanger side floor is dry

 

Seabronc

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Before you replace the core, check the hose connections.  You might only need to tighten one a bit.   Otherwise it probably is the core.

Good luck,

:)>-

 

miesk5

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yo E.

As Seabronc advised.

And just in case;

First off, I didn't realize how long this reply would be when I was in a trance copying & pasting.  I can't give you a hot Link to the following because of a few issues.

SECTION 412-02: Heating and Ventilation
2000 Expedition/Navigator Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Procedure revision date: 06/17/1999 Heater Core

Removal and Installation

NOTE: If a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be leak tested before it is removed from the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 412-00.  Miesk5 Note; I don't have access to this test (yet); but here are two similar tests:

Using a cooling system pressure test tool to pressurize the entire cooling system, a heater core will leak into the HVAC [heater, ventilation and air conditioning] box [located under the dash board]. Once coolant leaks into this box, it will either drop onto the carpeting on the passenger side front floor OR drip out the condensate tube [where the A/C condensate water leaks out under the truck] The condensate tube is a rubber pipe located on the lower end of the passenger side firewall.

&

Use Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to perform the pressure test. Note: Due to space limitations, a bench test may be necessary for pressure testing.

1. Drain the coolant from the cooling system.

2. Disconnect the heater water hoses from the heater core.

3. Install a short piece of heater water hose, approximately 101mm (4 inches) long on each heater core tube.

4. Fill the heater core and heater water hoses with water and install plug and adapter from Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester in the heater water hose ends. Secure the heater water hoses, plug and adapter with hose clamps tightened to specifications.

5. Attach the pump and gauge assembly from Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the adapter.

6. Close the bleed valve at the base of the gauge and pump 241 kPa (35 psi) of air pressure into the heater core.

7. Observe the pressure gauge for a minimum of three minutes.

8. If the pressure drops, check the heater water hose connections to the core tubes for leaks. If the heater water hoses do not leak, test the heater core as follows:

a. Drain all coolant from the heater core.

b. Remove heater core from the A/C evaporator housing.

c. Connect the 101mm (4 in) test heater water hoses with plug and adapter to the core tubes. Then connect the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the adapter.

d. Apply 241 kPa (35 psi) of air pressure to the heater core. Submerge the heater core in water.

e. If a leak is observed, service or replace the heater core (as necessary).
========

  1. Drain the radiator. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03.
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding Special Tool(s)
st2818a.gif
RADKITPLUS
078-00497
 
Draining

 WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

 CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

NOTE: About 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

  1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
  1. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock (8115). If equipped, disconnect the coolant return hose at the oil cooler.
  1. Open the radiator draincock.
  1. Close the radiator draincock when finished.
 
Bleeding Without RADKITPLUS

  1. Select maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position control to discharge air at A/C vents in the instrument panel (04320).
  1. Start engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at A/C vents.
  1.  CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow to cool and fill the cooling system as described.

    Start the engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
  1. Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
  1. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
  1. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.
--

  1. Remove the instrument panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-12.
  1. If equipped with the 5.4L 4V engine, remove the junction block splash shield.
am1629a.gif


  1. If equipped with the 5.4L 4V engine, remove the bolts and disconnect the cable ends from the starter relay.
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  1. If equipped with the 5.4L 4V engine, remove the junction block bracket. Disengage the wire harness connector.
  1. Remove the bolts.
  1. Remove the junction block bracket.
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  1. Disconnect the heater core hose couplings. For additional information, refer to Section 412-00.
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miesk5

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Part 2;

Heater Hose Couplings


Special Tool(s)
 

st1648a.gif
Heater Hose Disconnect Set
412-042 (T85T-18539-AH)
 

Disconnect

dm0078a.gif


dm0079a.gif


dm0080a.gif


Connect

dm0081a.gif


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    1.  WARNING: The engine must be off, fully cool and the cooling system fully depressurized before attempting to disconnect any heater water hoses. Failure to comply with this warning can result in serious injury or burns from hot liquid escaping out of the engine cooling system.

      Depressurize the engine cooling system.
    1. Push the heater water hose toward the tube to fully expose the locking tabs.
    1. NOTE: When compressing the white coupling retainer, the Heater Hose Disconnect Set must be perpendicular to and on the highest point of the coupling.

      Push the Heater Hose Disconnect Set over the coupling retainer windows to compress the retainer locking tabs.
    1. NOTE: A slight twisting motion while pulling on the heater water hose may be necessary to assist in the removal.

      Pull the heater water hose away from the heater core tube.
    1. Plug the heater water hose.
    1. Remove the white coupling retainer from the tube.
    1. Spread the retainer tabs apart and slide the retainer off the tube.
    1. Discard the retainer.
    1. Clean the tubes and lubricate with Ford Rubber Suspension Insulator **** E25Y-19553-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESF-M99B112-A.
    1. Install a new coupling retainer, spacer, and lubricated O-rings into the quick disconnect coupling housing.
    1. Push the heater water hose with a quick disconnect coupling onto the tube.
    1. Make sure the coupling is fully engaged by lightly pulling on the heater water hose.
  1. Remove the A/C plenum demister adapter.
  2. Remove the *****.
    Remove the A/C plenum demister adapter.

gl0485a.gif


  1. Disconnect the vacuum line.
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  1. Remove the plenum chamber top.
    Remove the 13 screws.
  1. Remove the plenum chamber top.
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  1. Remove the blend door assembly from the case.
  1. Remove the heater core.
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  1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

    • Lubricate the coolant hoses with MERPOL® meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B144-B or plain water only, if needed.
    • ============
 

miesk5

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Part 3

I have the Instrument Panel Removal Instr., but I'd have to break it up into about 6 posts.

If you need it, PM me.

Ford Labor est is 8 hours.

 

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