How to Remove a Heater Core on the E350
The heater core on a Ford E350 van is a small radiator located inside the heater case bolted to the left rear corner (looking toward the windshield) of the engine bay. The heater core works in conjunction with the engine's cooling system to provide heated air for the passenger cabin. Heated engine coolant flows from the engine through a rubber heater hose to the heater core. The blower motor draws in fresh air from outside and blows it across the core. This heated air is then blown through ducts in the dash and directed to either the floor, dash or defroster.
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Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Pliers
- Waste oil collection pan
Instructions
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Disconnect the Battery and Blower Motor
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1
Disconnect the ground cable by loosening the retaining bolt and pulling the clamp off the negative terminal. Disconnect the positive cable by loosening the retaining bolt and pulling the clamp off the positive terminal.
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2
Remove the battery from the vehicle.
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3
Label and disconnect the electrical leads for the blower motor. The blower motor will be located on the heater case which is located in the engine bay, bolted to the passenger side of the firewall.
Draining the Cooling System
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4
Wait until the engine is completely cooled and remove the radiator cap.
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5
Locate the petcock valve on the lower corner of the radiator and place a waste oil collection pan underneath it.
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6
Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise to drain the coolant from the system.
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7
Close the valve after all the coolant has drained out of the radiator.
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8
Locate the heater hoses. There will be two rubber hoses that run from the engine to the heater core inlet and outlet tubes which protrude through the heater case. Loosen the hose clamps and pull the hoses off the heater core.
Removing the Heater Core
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9
Remove the nuts that connect the heater case to the firewall. They will be located inside the passenger compartment underneath the dash.
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10
Remove the heater case from the engine bay.
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11
Remove the screws that secure the heater core retainer to the heater case. Remove the heater core retainer.
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12
Remove the heater core from the heater case by carefully sliding it out. Be careful not to damage the seal.
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1
Tips & Warnings
After draining the engine coolant, take a moment to examine it. Black streaks in the antifreeze could mean a failing head gasket.
The scent of engine coolant is attractive to household pets. It is also highly toxic. Keep small children and pets away from antifreeze.
