97 2.3 coolant leak

[WJC97]

Man this thing is turning into a money pit already...
Anyway I noticed the coolant bottle was empty, and while changing the starter I got a snootfull of coolant drippings from above. It looks like some strange 4-way plastic or bakelite tree connecting the heater hoses from the cab to the hoses going to the motor. I guess it's cracked. Is is this part that I'm seeing, and WTF does it do? ...

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Heater-Valve-Factory-Air_15490015-P_394_R|GRPCOOLAMS_888800034___

 

[98greenrangerguy]

That is the heater control valve. It diverts the coolant away from the heater core when the A/C is on. Mine started to leak around the little metal arm on the bottom. I would get a replacement at the dealer if I were you. I went through two Autozone specials in two years.

 

[adsm08]

yeah, those things are pretty notorious for failing. Leaking, jamming, vac diaphragm failing, etc. Buy 2.

 

[idfeiid]

I just got 2 male-male 5/8" connectors and bypassed that stupid valve cost me like $4 to fix it, I'm not sure what the replacement valves cost but I'm sure its not $4.

 

[RangerNeophyte]

I just got 2 male-male 5/8" connectors and bypassed that stupid valve cost me like $4 to fix it, I'm not sure what the replacement valves cost but I'm sure its not $4.

Why have the valve at all if you can just bypass it? Does your heat still work and your engine stay cool?

 

[Mike1919]

That valve is to keep hot water out of the heater core when you run your a/c. I installed one on my 91 f250 and didn't notice all that much of a difference, a little, but not much, so if you do bypass it you'll be fine, and the heater will work the same, just be sure to plug the vacuum line