Help ID this part from firewall 1997 ford ranger

[97-ford-ranger-xlt]

What the hell is this?

Started my 1997 ford ranger this morning and turned on the heater and it smelled like tires. Then I realized it smelled like coolant. Pulled over at the gas station and found this thing dripping. What is it? Should there be a hose attached to it?

Thanks.

 

[97-ford-ranger-xlt]

EDIT: Here is a video showing the location

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=092fc9b8edc12ab36d9889752d9a603c&sid=0EbuGLdm3cuHFg

 

[Aerkusa]

It's not the return from the heater core is it?

 

[black_demon69]

looks like drain from heater box

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

That is the drain from the heater box.....you have a leaking heater core.

 

[RangerSVT]

that is the drain from the heater box.....you have a leaking heater core.

X2, time to replace the heater core...

SVT

 

[97-ford-ranger-xlt]

Heater core drain?

THANKS. So it's a drain for when the heater core leaks?

Can I just not use the heater and still drive until fixed?

I need to do some driving tomorrow and don't really have other options... UG reading that changing the heater core is a PITA...

Thanks again

 

[Aerkusa]

As long as the heater control valve works, it shouldn't have any coolant going through it while the heat is off.

However! You should check your coolant when you do replace it (or now).

I read the other day about improperly grounded engines leading to electrolysis in the coolant which causes it to eat holes in the heater core. So it'd be a good time to check your grounds.

 

[97-ford-ranger-xlt]

Uh oh

I recently got a new head and went through hell to get a smog (california). I've been noticing the 'door ajar' light comes on and off randomly. I was thinking there might be an electrical issue. Maybe improper ground is something to look at. Man I love this truck but it's getting harder to put money into it... Ahh damn

 

[97-ford-ranger-xlt]

check coolant

Yea checked the coolant and it was a little low. Filled it up and it's fine just no heater. Truck has 120,000 miles... cyl 4 misfire/idle issue, electrical issues, and now busted heater core. Thanks you guys

 

[Big Jim M]

Actually that is a drain for the evaporator condensation. But it seems to have worked for the coolant also.
Most vehicles have coolant going thru the heater at all times now and do NOT have a coolant valve. What they have is a "blend door" that mixes cold air with hot air for your enjoyment.
I am not familiar with your particular vehicle but most likely you are still loosing coolant. Keep checking.
Big Jim

 

[Dune Runner]

Bypass it and keep driving. Who needs heat in California.

 

[94RoadkillRanger]

Make sure your heater valve is shutting off both the "in" and "out" otherwise, you'll have to bypass it.

 

[ranger nation]

bypass the core just for shiggles and see or smell rather if the problem gets better, if so then you now have your summer project to finish by say October, we here in cali do have long summers best of luck to ya,

 

[AllanD]

it will still vent coolant vapor into the cab and you really don't want to be breathing that stuff.

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