Ford Repair: 97 E250 5.4L heater valve replacement, econoline vans, electric servo

Question
Tim, I have cold air w/ the AC but no heat.  Cold blows all the time (thru vents, floor, defrost.)  I have changed the electric switch behind the climate control panel.  Auto Zone gave sold me a heater valve (about $14) that seems to be vacuum activated.  The problem is, I cannot find the part on my van.  I have literally spent hours trying to find the thing!  Can you help?  Thanks.

Answer
Rob,

If your van has a heater control valve it will be located on one of the heater hoses going to the heater core. However I have my doubts that this is your problem. The Econoline vans are famous for breaking the blend air door inside the heater case. The electric servo will still move correctly, but the door will not and stay on cold all the time.  Check with your local Ford dealer as they have an updated replacement part to fix it. You will have to remove the entire heater box and disassemble it, but it really isn't that bad to do.