S.O.S. Heater core/lines

[IslandFalconer]

Ok gang, has anyone torn one of these down to the heater core area? Or have an idea of the line work to the heater core. After 3 months at the dealership I get my truck back only to have coolant smell and mist/liquid coming out of lower vents. I need to figure out a way to cut off coolant to the air box or I’m going to poison myself, and since it’s my only winter vehicle I’m in need of wheels until the dealership figures out how to resolve this yet again.

 

[Tinerfeño]

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question.

Do you know what has been done by the dealer? Is it possible that the smell isn't just residues of the work done? Have you tasted the liquid you see?

By-passing the heater core circulation will make the winter use very difficult as cabin will be very cold and windows will be internally covered with condensation.

 

[IslandFalconer]

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question.

Do you know what has been done by the dealer? Is it possible that the smell isn't just residues of the work done? Have you tasted the liquid you see?

By-passing the heater core circulation will make the winter use very difficult as cabin will be very cold and windows will be internally covered with condensation.

Well what they did was remove the entire dashboard, heater box and associated parts and re sealed the A/C condensation drain. In so doing I guess they did something. I know it’s not residue because there is cool and coming out of the lower vents consistently when running the heater. And yes I know it won’t be pleasant in the cold, but right now until they figure out when they are picking this up and such I need to be able to get around.

 

[Clark Kent]

Well what they did was remove the entire dashboard, heater box and associated parts and re sealed the A/C condensation drain. In so doing I guess they did something. I know it’s not residue because there is cool and coming out of the lower vents consistently when running the heater. And yes I know it won’t be pleasant in the cold, but right now until they figure out when they are picking this up and such I need to be able to get around.

The gift that keeps on giving for you

I know you're in the automotive trade so you'll know the 14-16mm hoses to look for at the firewall. Physically getting access to those fittings to run a bypass could be a problem so you might need to locate the hoses at the engine end. I just had a quick look at mine (diesel) and I can't see them at all.
According to these schematics the heater inlet hose might be in a T fitting in a crankcase return line, and the heater return hose goes to the heat management module (HMM) on the LHS of the engine. The heater return hose might be visible from below to trace it backwards from the HMM to the firewall. But these are just schematics so may be useless here.

Are you also losing coolant from either reservoir? I suspect the heater circuit is supplied from the high temp/pressure circuit. If you're not losing coolant it's still possible that you're seeing residual coolant dripping out of the vents because a careless mechanic slopped coolant into the HVAC unit when he/she popped the heater hoses off the HVAC housing. Wishful thinking probably.

 

[IslandFalconer]

The gift that keeps on giving for you

I know you're in the automotive trade so you'll know the 14-16mm hoses to look for at the firewall. Physically getting access to those fittings to run a bypass could be a problem so you might need to locate the hoses at the engine end. I just had a quick look at mine (diesel) and I can't see them at all.
According to these schematics the heater inlet hose might be in a T fitting in a crankcase return line, and the heater return hose goes to the heat management module (HMM) on the LHS of the engine. The heater return hose might be visible from below to trace it backwards from the HMM to the firewall. But these are just schematics so may be useless here.

Are you also losing coolant from either reservoir? I suspect the heater circuit is supplied from the high temp/pressure circuit. If you're not losing coolant it's still possible that you're seeing residual coolant dripping out of the vents because a careless mechanic slopped coolant into the HVAC unit when he/she popped the heater hoses off the HVAC housing. Wishful thinking probably.

Yeah it’s freaking tight in around the engine.

 

[parb]

@IslandFalconer you have the worst luck of anyone i've ever talked to my friend. My gosh have you not been through a lot.
If possible, and at the expense of going on a longer drive, maybe take it to another dealer?

 

[anand]

If possible, and at the expense of going on a longer drive, maybe take it to another dealer?

There are only 2 dealers in Canada currently... However, a drive to a US dealer is actually closer for him

 

[IslandFalconer]

@IslandFalconer you have the worst luck of anyone i've ever talked to my friend. My gosh have you not been through a lot.
If possible, and at the expense of going on a longer drive, maybe take it to another dealer?

The only other dealer in Canada is on the other end of the continent.

 

[IslandFalconer]

There are only 2 dealers in Canada currently... However, a drive to a US dealer is actually closer for him

It is! But they can not do warranty work. I’ve spoken with them.

 

[255/85]

I'm pretty sure the heater lines on the petrol models pass through the firewall/bulkhead just aft of the left (DS) rear corner of the engine. Pop the engine cover off and look about a foot behind the oil filter housing and slightly lower and you should see where they enter and exit. The lines run forward and I think one connects into the main large radiator hoses close to the front radiator fan on the front left. IIRC the other is more easily traced from underneath but it's been a few months since I had a serious look.

If you've got a leak in the heater core then the cabin should be steaming up even with the engine fully warmed up and the heat on. The windows will feel sticky on the inside.

 

[IslandFalconer]

I'm pretty sure the heater lines on the petrol models pass through the firewall/bulkhead just aft of the left (DS) rear corner of the engine. Pop the engine cover off and look about a foot behind the oil filter housing and slightly lower and you should see where they enter and exit. The lines run forward and I think one connects into the main large radiator hoses close to the front radiator fan on the front left. IIRC the other is more easily traced from underneath but it's been a few months since I had a serious look.

If you've got a leak in the heater core then the cabin should be steaming up even with the engine fully warmed up and the heat on. The windows will feel sticky on the inside.

Oh it’s nice and moist inside, and the smell and taste are even better! The coolant coming from the vents is an extra nice touch. It’s definitely either the core itself leaking or a loose connection where the lines connect to the core and it’s leaking in to the air box. Either way something is not right. But as I started to pull panels it only got worse. The tech omitted plastic cover clips, broke the locating dowels off the two lower center dash covers, omitted bolts and screws. And the dealer thinks it’s all good. And questioning me on how it could be coolant. Just a circus