Starting issues, repeated leaks in heater core valve

elivergara · #1 11-15-2016, 08:21 AM

Update: My video and post refer to the leak as a possible cause for my starting issues. I just realized the starter and the leaking valve are on opposite sides.

Trouble still there, likely the starter then, and the leak as a separate issue... Why does that valve keep going bad?

2003 Ranger 2.3L

I had trouble starting the truck this morning. It took a while, and then it started right away. I suspected a bad starter, as I drove off, I noticed steam coming off the engine. I pulled over and found that my heater core valve was leaking. It is probably the third time in three years that I've replaced it. Last year, I used my garden hose to "flush" the heater core, and it came back pretty clean. Nothing much came out of it. I replaced the valve with a new one and when it got warmer, I was afraid the valve would break again and leave me stranded, so I eventually just disconnected the heater from the actuator.
About two weeks ago I connected the heater actuator. This morning I noticed the valve leaking (see video link).

I have made a video if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vVp-GcdyYI

1.- Are the leak and the starter problems related?
2.- Why does my valve keep going bad? Dirty Core? How can I clean it? (hose didn't seem to get much out)

Any help is appreciated.
__________________
2003 Ford Ranger 2WD 2.3L MFI DOHC 183K m. Standard T.

sheltonfilms · #2 11-18-2016, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elivergara

Update: My video and post refer to the leak as a possible cause for my starting issues. I just realized the starter and the leaking valve are on opposite sides.

Trouble still there, likely the starter then, and the leak as a separate issue... Why does that valve keep going bad?

2003 Ranger 2.3L

I had trouble starting the truck this morning. It took a while, and then it started right away. I suspected a bad starter, as I drove off, I noticed steam coming off the engine. I pulled over and found that my heater core valve was leaking. It is probably the third time in three years that I've replaced it. Last year, I used my garden hose to "flush" the heater core, and it came back pretty clean. Nothing much came out of it. I replaced the valve with a new one and when it got warmer, I was afraid the valve would break again and leave me stranded, so I eventually just disconnected the heater from the actuator.
About two weeks ago I connected the heater actuator. This morning I noticed the valve leaking (see video link).

I have made a video if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vVp-GcdyYI

1.- Are the leak and the starter problems related?
2.- Why does my valve keep going bad? Dirty Core? How can I clean it? (hose didn't seem to get much out)

Any help is appreciated.
__________________
2003 Ford Ranger 2WD 2.3L MFI DOHC 183K m. Standard T.

What brand are you replacing it with? If it isn't Motorcraft then you are gonna keep getting leaks.

Another thing are you installing the hoses to the correct ports of the heater core? You could have an issue where two or more are wrong and the water is pumping into a closed portion of the valve causing increase in pressure causing it to leak.