leaking heater core?

[CountryDriven]

My truck reeks of radiator fluid and everytime I turn on the defrost or heat condensation rushes out of the vents. I've been riding to school with all of my windows down and a large jacket. This wont work... how do I locate the leak? Is this probably the issue? I googled my issue and this is what came up...

 

[RonD]

Yes, heater core needs to be replaced, moisture on windshield with defrost is a sign of that, but could be a leak in the windshield's lower seal and dripping into core area, or A/C evaporator drain is plugged.
But smell of coolant means 100% heater core.

On my '94 Ranger the core was $28 and it took 20 minutes to replace, 4 screws and 2 hose clamps to remove and re-install.
You remove the heater core by removing it's lower cover under the glove box, 4 screws all facing down, remove the heater hoses, 2 clamps, put towel on floor board , tilt and lower core out.


For the time being you can loop the heater hoses together, so no coolant is flowing in the cab, that should cut down on the fogging but not help with the cold

 

[GentleRF]

I can echo what RonD said about the smell of hot coolant and fog on the windshield being the heater core. He is very correct about the how to on replacing it. I did the same job on my boomerang truck earlier this year.

 

[wildbill23c]

Most likely yes, your heater core is bad, not sure how easy it is to change in the newer trucks, but in my Bronco 2 it took about 15 minutes, and the heater core wasn't very expensive I think like $25.

You definitely shouldn't be driving around like that for sure, not only is it dangerous as it hinders your vision but breathing the coolant fumes is certainly not good for you either.

 

[black_demon69]

just a hint clamp off both hoses (with vise grips or equivalent) to heater core remove hose clamps and blow air through heater core (makes for cleaner removal ) replace heater core and reattach heater hoses and remove clamps top off anti freeze...

 

[CountryDriven]

Alright thanks a ton guys replaced it tonight & this was the issue. Ford definitely made this easy to replace on my 93 like most things. The one I replaced was the original. Not bad for 200k+ miles!

 

[RonD]

Good work

Now you really have a HOT truck