Ford: Heater Core For 00 Ford Ranger, suspension insulator, plenum chamber

Question
I am getting the smell of anti freeze and a fine mist when I turn on the heater. I am calculating this is a heater core leak. How do you gain access to the heater core to replace it

2000 Ford Ranger 3.0l v-6
Thanks
Pete

Answer
Notes this is a 6 to 8 hr. job

REMOVAL

NOTE : If a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be leak tested before it is removed from the vehicle.



Remove the instrument panel. For additional information, refer to Dash Board.
Remove the evaporator core housing. For additional information, refer to Evaporator Core Housing.
Drain the radiator. For additional information, refer to Cooling System.


 





Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core.


 





Remove the nuts and the plenum chamber.


 





Remove the screws and remove the heater core cover.


 





Remove the heater core.
INSTALLATION


To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Lubricate the hoses and fittings with Ford Rubber Suspension Insulator Lube E25Y-19553-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESF-M99B112-A.
NOTE: Be sure to install a new oval foam seal around the heater core inlet and outlet tubes.