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100fold1 · Jul 12, 2007, 06:12 PM

There is water pouring out by the AC unit in my 2001 Dodge Ram pickup. I took apart as much as I dared and disconnected the AC fan; when I make a left turn the water just comes pouring out from what I think is the AC unit. Oh, I can smell anti-freeze too. I am concerned about the cost of repair. Is this something I can fix on my own?

CaptainRich · Jul 12, 2007, 06:50 PM

Sounds like a heater core. Have you ever done anything like this before?

100fold1 · Jul 12, 2007, 08:21 PM

No, is it difficult? I was an Electronic Tech in the Navy and am a fairly competent troubleshooter but have limited mechanical experience. I am not afraid of tacking a jod though. What should I expect a garage to charge for this?

CaptainRich · Jul 13, 2007, 04:51 AM

I'd recommend a qualified, ASE certified shop.
The job itself is a sequence of nuts and bolts, but to access the heater core the whole HVAC case has to come out. To pull the HVAC case the A/C refridgerant has to be recovered first. Special equipment is necessary, both to recover and to echarge the system.

Short term: you could loop the heater core inlet hose back to the engine. This would allow you to drive the vehicle until repairs can be arranged.

TxGreaseMonkey · Jul 13, 2007, 08:40 AM

Sounds like a problem with the Heater Control Valve--shouldn't be too difficult to replace. Normally, open hood and remove cover along firewall for access.

biggsie · Jul 13, 2007, 09:11 AM

The heater core is like a small radiator inside your car... When heat is required one hose
Supplies hot coolant to it and other hose is the return path to the engine...

Like a previous entry I suggest you fix it during summer by bypassing heater, couple two
Heater hoses and head to a radiator shop... It would probably be cheaper if you remove
The heater core and take it in for repair...

I don't know where I'm going but I'm making good time