1994 Ford Tempo heater core

GRACIEMCAVOY

MEMBER
1994 FORD TEMPO
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
12,900 MILES

I think my heater core (coil?) May need replacing, but I'm not sure. When I turn the heat on or push defrost, steam comes up through the vents in the front window and fogs it so badly I can't see. I just recently put antifreeze in the radiator, realizing it was pretty dry, because the temperature guage went way up. Since I put antifreeze in, the car isn't overheating, but now I have the steam problem. Thanks so much for your help

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

That is indeed sympotms of a failed heater core, would you like replacement steps?

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Monday, October 4th, 2010 AT 4:33 PM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Antifreeze leaking as steam in car has a certain odor. I'm surprised you didn't notice this sooner? If none is dripping on floor anywhere your leak maybe minor pinhole in a solder joint. This can be patched with stop leak. The best method is to insert a capped plastic "T" in the antifreeze hose leading directly to heater. You add stop leak mix at that point for most potent effect on leak. If you overdo it though, you plug heater completely and it stops working. This can be remedied by back flushing. Adding stop leak to radiator cap can also work but is no guarantee of potency at point of leak.