collincastaneda

I just replaced my waterpump today. Good deal. But I found out my radiator is leaking and my heater core is leaking.

Radiator

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What is the difference between a 3 row core radiator and a standard radiator. Keep in mind I know nothing of radiators.


Heater Core

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My heater core is leaking inside of the car. I cant see where it is leaking but I can see it dripping and its leaving a puddle on my passenger side floor mat. Also, it leaks from the engine compartment when I shut the engine off. I can't tell exactly where it's coming from when the engine is off. Third, it seems to be steaming inside of my car, making it impossible to defrost my windows. When I turn the fans off and then on again after a minute or two...it blows a substantial amount of steam from the firewall side of the engine compartment. I can also smell burnt antifreeze. I get that sweet taste in my mouth when driving. My temp guage fluctuates from 1/2 to 1/4. When at 1/4 the heaters blow hot air. When at 1/2 the heater blows cold air.


Any tips or suggestions guys? I would appreciate any greatly. Thanks.


Collin

Carbuff

I forget how many rows of cores the Mustang uses (small finned tubes, that do the bulk of the heat dissipation)... but I know that mine has been more than adequate all these years.

Some radiators use 2 rows of cores to do the job, some people put radiators with additional cores to provide extra cooling. (You would think that a 3 core would provide 50% more cooling than a two-core, but that's not quite true. The extra cores add weight, also.) Often the extra-core radiators have thinner cores so they may clog up faster than the standard ones.

Your call.

[], most heater cores require major dash disassembly to remove. But they can be repaired easily (as can the radiator).

Aside from the major PITA of removal, I suggest bringing both your heater core and radiator to a radiator specialist. They will pressure test each unit, chemically remove the clogs inside, and flow-test them. If they can't fix them they will give you the options, like recore (new tubes) in the radiator or replacement.

Be prepared with the prices of new units from your favorite parts source...just to make sure it is worth it.

FWIW I paid $135 last summer for a radiator flush and leak repair (not on the Mustang). I just looked at ThePartsBin.Com and a new Mustang radiator (for an automatic, with tranny cooling lines inside) was $242.

(Many newer cars use radiators with plastic end tanks and aluminum cores...these are lighter BUT they usually cannot be repaired.)

vfast

you can get a 3 row for like 125.00 it may add 2 pounds..also put in a 185 stat for mr gasket..the heater core is a big PIA..

Quik

for a temp fix just loop the heater core hoses together so your inside isnt wet anymore. and the enitre dash has to come out for the core

heater core was about 25bucks..install costed me 200. i didnt fell like doing it. its not worth that hassle for me
rad can varry in price

collincastaneda

Would it be very difficult to tear the dash apart?