Heater Core - On Car Pressure Test For Warranty Claim

Article No.
97-19-11

09/15/97

COOLING SYSTEM - "ON-VEHICLE" HEATER CORE PRESSURE TEST REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY CLAIM

FORD:
1993-97 PROBE, THUNDERBIRD
1993-98 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS
1995-98 CONTOUR

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1993-97 COUGAR
1993-98 CONTINENTAL, GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE, TOWN CAR, TRACER
1995-98 MYSTIQUE

LIGHT TRUCK:
1993-98 ECONOLINE, EXPLORER, F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES, RANGER, VILLAGER
1995-98 WINDSTAR
1997-98 EXPEDITION, MOUNTAINEER
1998 NAVIGATOR

ISSUE:
An "On-Vehicle" heater core pressure test is required before replacing any heater core within the warranty period.





ACTION:
Perform the "On-Vehicle" heater core pressure test by referring to the following heater core leak test procedure.

HEATER CORE LEAK TEST PROCEDURE

Use the heater core pressure test to determine if the heater core is leaking. Symptoms associated with a leaking heater core include:

^ Engine coolant leaking into the passenger compartment

^ Engine coolant blown onto the windshield during defrost operation

^ Engine coolant odor inside the passenger compartment

1. Partially drain cooling system.

2. Disconnect both heater core hoses.





3. Attach two (2) pieces of heater hose to the heater core inlet and outlet tubes and clamp (Figure 1).

4. Install Plug (part of 014-R1072) into one (1) heater hose and clamp (Figure 1).

5. Fill heater core and hoses with water.

6. Install Adapter (part of 0144-R1072) into other heater hose and clamp (Figure 1).

7. Attach Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester (014-R1072) to Adapter (part of 014-R1072) (Figure 1).

8. Close the bleed valve and the tester and pump air into the heater core until 241 kPa (35 psi) is reached on the tester gauge.

9. Observe the gauge after 3 minutes. The pressure should not drop. If the pressure does drop, there is a leak. Check the hose connections and retest if you find a leak.

10. Replace heater core if pressure drops and hose connections do not leak.

11. Do not replace heater core if pressure does not drop. Pressure test engine cooling system for leaks elsewhere.

12. Reconnect heater core and refill cooling system after all necessary repairs.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 208000, 208100, 208999, 290000, 402000