air in system after heater core replace
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 81
Likes: 6
From: west coast
air in system after heater core replace
Hello -- 1999 F150, 4.6L, 120k miles, automatic 2wd, air, xlt extended cab. I could tell my heater core was leaking so I replaced it. It was an aftermarket part from Oreillys Auto Parts. I also put in a new Blend Door and actuator. I've filled the coolant to the recommended level. I notice when I step into the gas, I hear coolant and air rushing into and through the heater core. I can't seem to get all the air out. I have parked the vehicle on an upward incline and revved the engine for a few minutes to try, still no luck. Heat is working as it should from controls, no smell of coolant in the cab, no drips under vehicle, the level in the overflow container remains constant. I bought it used about 25k miles ago, no idea on it's history.
But I did buy it from what I thought was a reputable used car lot, I was wrong apparently. I bought it in 2007 for a construction truck, then the economy dropped away (thanks Wall Street and our govt crooks). Yes, I've only put about 25k miles on it in 7 years. This is the first real work I've done to the vehicle. When I drained the coolant out of the radiator, it came out foamy and very dark. When the coolant in the bucket sat a couple of days while I replaced the heater core, I then noticed the foam was gone, but the "coolant" was black as coffee. I ran water into the overflow container for awhile so the water would come out the heater hoses to flush the system before I hooked up the new heater core. I had an important job starting right away so couldn't take the time to flush it better. Getting the truck running again was the priority. When I remove the oil filler cap, there is no foam or sign of any moisture problems. I've done the oil changes and see no sign of water intrusion.
Also, it was my first time pulling a dashboard. It went so well, I had only one screw left over after the repair. It goes to the lower drivers bracket at the wheel hump where the bracket connects to the dash.
Any help on getting the air out is appreciated, thanks.
But I did buy it from what I thought was a reputable used car lot, I was wrong apparently. I bought it in 2007 for a construction truck, then the economy dropped away (thanks Wall Street and our govt crooks). Yes, I've only put about 25k miles on it in 7 years. This is the first real work I've done to the vehicle. When I drained the coolant out of the radiator, it came out foamy and very dark. When the coolant in the bucket sat a couple of days while I replaced the heater core, I then noticed the foam was gone, but the "coolant" was black as coffee. I ran water into the overflow container for awhile so the water would come out the heater hoses to flush the system before I hooked up the new heater core. I had an important job starting right away so couldn't take the time to flush it better. Getting the truck running again was the priority. When I remove the oil filler cap, there is no foam or sign of any moisture problems. I've done the oil changes and see no sign of water intrusion.
Also, it was my first time pulling a dashboard. It went so well, I had only one screw left over after the repair. It goes to the lower drivers bracket at the wheel hump where the bracket connects to the dash.
Any help on getting the air out is appreciated, thanks.
Last edited by fordysenior; Jan 14, 2015 at 02:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 81
Likes: 6
From: west coast
Well, at least its comforting to know mine is not the only one. I checked for a restrictor and saw nothing. I think this spring I'll replace the thermostat and the existing coolant, after flushing out the system, and maybe a rad hose or two. Then I'll be trying again to get all the air out.