Losing radiator fluid

[1987rangerxlt]

I've replaced the head gasket on this truck before. I've replaced the water pump too. Now it looks like a leak from where the heater hose connects to the water pump.

I guess I'll try cutting off the end of the hose and reattaching it.

-Jeff

ps Did you see that Hancock film yet? Very inspirational.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

It was just a loose hose clamp.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Fix It!

So, I decided to finally fix the heater and ordered a new core from some online place called PartsTrain. But when the box arrived the mailing label said US Auto Parts. It came with an installation guide too but "the following is intended only as a guide." So, I guess I'll have to dig up my manual.

Wish me luck! Any tips?

-Jeff

 

[MAKG]

On an '87?

Relax. Drink a Coke or two. Go out to see a movie. Take a few deep breaths.

Then spend 15 minutes changing the heater core. It's almost (not quite) the easiest repair you can do on your truck.

 

[AllanD]

THE easiest repair is replacing the KNOB for the headlight switch.

It usually takes ten times longer to "burp" all the air out of the cooling system
than it takes to change the heater core.

start by removing the heater hoses.

Then dig out a 1/4" drive 8mm deep socket.

There are five screws that hold the cover in place (under the glovebox)
Three across the front one at each back corner.

you probably can't see any of them use the braille method.

BEFORE you remove that cover put your beer in the cup holder, because when you remove the cover the heater core often falls out and we wouldn't want it to knock your beer over and spill it now would we?

AD

 

[MAKG]

THE easiest repair is replacing the KNOB for the headlight switch.

Naw, you gotta reach under the dash for that one and do it by feel.

IMO, the easiest is changing the speedometer drivegear. One bolt, one clip, and you can SEE it all. 5 minutes counting the bathroom break.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Super!

Then it looks like I'm in business.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Can't find the manual...

I can't find the manual and the installation guide that came with the core doesn't tell me which hose goes to the thermostat and which one goes to the water pump; the one from the fender side of the core or the one from the engine side. I figure that it is a passive device though and it doesn't matter which hose goes to which port of the heater core. Just to verify, I'm going to go look at another ranger.

I also couldn't get two screws on that hold the cover on under the dash board.

So, I decided to finally fix the heater and ordered a new core from some online place called PartsTrain. But when the box arrived the mailing label said US Auto Parts. It came with an installation guide too but "the following is intended only as a guide." So, I guess I'll have to dig up my manual.

Wish me luck! Any tips?

-Jeff

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Different Screws

Since I used the old styrofoam that held the heater core in place I wasn't able to use the old screws to secure the cover. Instead, I'm going to use some all-purpose screws that are longer. That ought to fix it!

I can't find the manual and the installation guide that came with the core doesn't tell me which hose goes to the thermostat and which one goes to the water pump; the one from the fender side of the core or the one from the engine side. I figure that it is a passive device though and it doesn't matter which hose goes to which port of the heater core. Just to verify, I'm going to go look at another ranger.

I also couldn't get two screws on that hold the cover on under the dash board.

 

[holyford86]

sometimes you really have to push to get the heater core to fit right, you might have to reach your hand up inside the box behind the core and push on the top a bit to get it to seat fully. it doesn't matter which way the hoses go on really.