2001 F150 4X4 I have the steam trail coming out the dash vents with the sweet smell of anitfreeze. Is this the tell tell sign of a heater core failure? If so what is needed to be done to replace the core? Does the dash board have to be removed?

 

Welcome to the forum! Unfortunately it does.Luckily,I personally have never had to replace one,but have seen many "in process".....

 

What is it about these Fords? I had to have one replaced in my 1998 Explorer which cost me over $900.00.

 

There has been some previous discussion concerning "electrolisys" in the cores themselves.Evidently they are not well grounded to the truck frame.This produces some "parasitic" voltage which actually promotes corrosion,and ultimate failure.Correction for this is to add a ground bonding strip to the frame from the core when being replaced.
Concerning the age of your truck,I would say you are "lucky" to just have this issue now.Not bashing your truck(My first F-150 was a 97),just figure it was time for yours to go.
If it makes you feel any better,Ive seen Cheby,s blow a core much earlier than one would expect as well.

 

Are you planning on doing it yourself?

 

Yes, I am wanting to replace the core myself. Any suggestions or tips would be helpful.

 

There are some terrific how to instructions on this forum. I downloaded a copy and it was like following a recipe. I would recommend using those and a manual as a very general guide. The best advise I can give you is go slow and be patient. There is a lot of discussion about the blend door being broken because it is plastic and often if not careful you can break it removing the old heater core. It might be worth getting a new one anyway because of age and you don't want to have to do it again if you can avoid it.

 

Get a good 1/4" drive metric six point socket set, additional extensions, a universal, and a 5.5mm socket if ya don't have one. There are many hidden screws.

Patience is a virtue. Use a digital camera to take pics of what you can see directly and what you can't for reference!

 

Make sure your inlet hose has the restrictor in it or you'll be doing it again soon.

I had the core done in my 97 about a year ago. The old one just crumbled.

I've done 4 heater cores in my 84 Mustang GT and 2 in my 90 T-Bird and both of those were split from excess flow. They need restrictors.

 

Use distilled water for mixing your anti-freeze.01-15-6***CLIMATE CONTROL - REPEAT HEATER CORE FAILURE ***COOLING SYSTEM - REPEAT HEATER CORE FAILURE 06-21-19***HEATER CORE LEAKAGE AND ELECTROLYSIS (INFORMATION ONLY)

 

wow im loving it. i have the same problem with my 98. i can see the core was replaced before. now it is need again. i think ill install the ground wire when i change mine.