Ford Repair: Coolant fog/smell in a/c system, engine coolant, plenum chamber

Question
Hi, Dave

I have a '95 Ford Ranger, 4 cyl, std. trans.  When I turn on the a/c or vent, I am getting an increasingly dense fog out of the vents (dash, defog, or floor).  The fog has a very strong engine coolant smell -- almost sickening.  I have also had to add coolant to my overflow reservoir twice in the last 4 months (never had to do it before now).  I can see a leak/drip in one of the lines running into the firewall on the engine side, however, I am not sure where the normal a/c condensation would drip from so I'm not sure if this is abnormal or not.  What could allow the internal fan/air system to come into contact with engine coolant?  The heater core?  Help!

Thanks!

Doug

Answer
Your Heater Core is leaking.  Normal A/C condensation is water that drips out of the small drain tube on the bottom of the passenger side firewall area.  Replacing the Heater Core is a big job on this vehicle.  The Instrument Panel and Heater Air Plenum Chamber must be removed to gain access the the Heater Core.  You can bypass the Heater Core temporarily by removing the two small heater hoses from the core and connecting them together with a piece of pipe and two clamps until you can have the core replaced.

I hope this helps,
Dave