Inside the supply heater hose there is a factory installed item that I am trying to figure out what it is. It's next to the end at the front of the motor, connects to the thermostat stem, and has a clamp band around it.
I want to flush my core but wonder if this a some kind of valve that won't let the water go from the wrong direction.
Any ideas?

2001 5.4 liter engine.

 

don't mater which direction water goes when flushing..pull the T-stat out and you can flush either way. Post a pic of what you are talking about...that will help allot.

 

Where the black band is, there is something inside the hose. Any knowledge as to what?

 

It is a restrictor that keeps the heater core from getting too much pressure, like under WOT.

 

Looking at other posts, finally found one that indicated it is a restrictor to reduce the pressure to the core. Basically just closes the hose down to a smaller diameter.
Thanks for the response techrep.

 

Thanks white89gt had just found the post that indicated that. I am assuming it is simply a reducer so fluid will flow both ways.

 

It's purpose is exactly what I said below, not for flow both ways. The coolant only goes one way.

This was a VERY common issue with Fox Body and SN95 Mustangs. The heater core would blow when racing. Ford pretty much did a global change in how they do their heater cores after that. Here is a picture of what is actually in there (or very similar).

http://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-h...ctor-7904.html

 

Correct, a restrictor, they are a wrapped solid brass reducer. I don't use one anymore in the 98 since my new hoses didn't have one. Word is, if they have them, you should replace exactly what you have. Not sure why my new hoses didn't have one. Changed the hoses at 155,000 miles, have 330,000 miles now and still using my original heater core. So I figured Ford new what they were doing.

 

I don't think it's as big of a deal on our trucks. The Mustangs had one hell of an issue if the core was somewhat weak. I've got 3 or 4 brass restrictor's still in the Ford package. They are an inline type. You can cut the hose and splice it in.

 

Mine was small, maybe a 1/2" X 1/2" ring reducer jammed in there.