Restoring the old Eight Nine Stang

[shane96ranger]

congratz. and happy anniversary

Thank you sir!


She poked her head out today, and said there still too much winter going on.

 

[shane96ranger]

Check out this new parts page CJ Pony Parts put up. All fox body stuff!

http://www.foxbodyworld.com/Default.aspx

 

[shane96ranger]

Spring has sprung! I took her out for a spin yesterday.... pure heaven.

Stowed away for safe keeping.

Opening her eyes for the first time this year.

 

[shane96ranger]

I haven't done too much with it yet, but get another new battery (free ). I noticed the radiator appears to be leaking a smidgen, so I will be digging into that soon. I also am going to tackle the gawd awful heater core. I need to hunt down an Explorer heater tube for this thing too so I can eliminate my stupid vacuum plug fix (see below).

 

[shane96ranger]

I received the hoses I ordered from Rock Auto today. I'm debating on this Evans Waterless Coolant when I get the new radiator and heater core. I hear I wouldn't need an overflow. Any thoughts on changing over?

 

[shane96ranger]

I got her out today for a bit. I changed the oil (Valvoline 10W-30 and an FL1A) and gave her a bath.

 

[shane96ranger]

I finally got a heater pipe on Ebay yesterday. I also went and got a heater core today (Spectra Premium) for 20 bucks. After I got it home, I noticed this thing says Made in China, so I think it's going back. Also got all new hoses (Goodyear brand) for my baby.

.......hopefully the warranty replacement radiator doesn't say Made in China, because it's Spectra brand as well.

 

[shane96ranger]

I received the heater pipe today, so I'm pretty close to ready to roll on replacing some things.

 

[dhinch279]

I replaced the heater core on my 89 mustang last summer. It is definitely a pain, but its not as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe you have already done this before but if not here are some things to look out for that I learned when I did mine.

One thing to keep in mind, in one of the heater core hoses is a little plastic (?) piece that regulates the coolant flow to keep it from blowing the new one out if you rev it up to hard and fast. I think someone in the past had replaced the heater core on my car because it didn't have it, so I had to locate one (or use a 8 or 10mm, 1/4 drive socket).

From what I understand, it can cause the new heater core to fail prematurely. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Also, when installing the new one, be VERY VERY careful when buttoning everything back up. When you are putting the heater box back together it can put pressure on the new heater core and damage the fins.

It has been about a year since I did it so I am trying to remember some of the things that I have run into.

 

[shane96ranger]

Thank you! I forgot about that, even though I've messed with them before. Where did you get that piece? LRS wants about 15 bucks for it - can we say OVERPRICED? I'm thinking that I could maybe make one out of some aluminum or plastic stock. I've also heard of cramming a smaller piece of hose inside the heater hose.

I read that not all of them came with that piece installed. I don't remember which but between my 86 and my 89, one of them had it and one did not. BUT, the 86 heater core is MUCH easier. I have yet to do one on an 87-93.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

One thing to keep in mind, in one of the heater core hoses is a little plastic (?) piece that regulates the coolant flow to keep it from blowing the new one out if you rev it up to hard and fast. I think someone in the past had replaced the heater core on my car because it didn't have it, so I had to locate one (or use a 8 or 10mm, 1/4 drive socket).

My old Ranger heater core had one of them, my take on it was it was there to restrict flow and give the coolant more soak time in the heater core. If it is there for a sudden spike in pressure it would need to be in the water pump to prevent blowing a hose off because it would actually make it worse for both ends of the other side if it was on the outlet of the heater core or both ends of that hose if it was on the inlet of the heater core. IIRC mine was on the side that would have been an outlet. It is a restriction, and if you are worried about blowing off a hose adding a restriction won't help your cause any.

My new one didn't have it, I have yet to blow a heater hose off... and I have deviated quite severely from the factory with the heat pump up front.

 

[shane96ranger]

I have seen it written somewhere that Ford did it to prevent too much pressure in the core as well. IIRC, this measure originated on the SSP Mustangs. Also, I am running an Edelbrock high flow pump. So I need the extra insurance.

EDIT: This is where I read it (see description)
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-18599A/79-04-Mustang-Heater-Core-Flow-Restrictor

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have seen it written somewhere that Ford did it to prevent too much pressure in the core as well. IIRC, this measure originated on the SSP Mustangs. Also, I am running an Edelbrock high flow pump. So I need the extra insurance.

EDIT: This is where I read it (see description)
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-18599A/79-04-Mustang-Heater-Core-Flow-Restrictor

Sent while I should be doing something else

Massive post overhaul: In your link it just says that it reduces pressure to the heater core to reduce stress on it, which I would agree with it doing. It isn't going to do a thing for blowing off hoses though because the pressure will be greater on the engine side.

My Ranger had the bushing in the heater core itself (one of the tubes that stuck through the firewall)

 

[shane96ranger]

It is to prevent the weak heater cores from carnage rather than a hose blowing off. I recall hearing troopers would get a floor full of anti-freeze in pursuit because the cores couldn't take it.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[shane96ranger]

Also..... This piece installs in the hose instead of the core.

Sent while I should be doing something else