Heater Core on wife's focus

[Randy Daniels]

I've been told that the heater core in my wife's '01 Focus is out. Anyone know how difficult they are to change? The estimate that we've got from one guy is over $600. The part itself is around $70. So, the labor must be terrible. Anyone got any insight? I need to fix it soon, since its gonna be November...tomorrow! Thanks for anyones help!

 

[Tom Schindler]

It is a pain in the butt. All heater cores are a pain in the butt. What is the mileage of that Focus? You may try some Aluma Seal or Bars Stop Leak before you fork out the cash. If the Focus has a bunch of miles on it, that may be the thing to try first before investing $600.00.



And yes, changing a heater core is not for the faint of heart. They effing suck big time!





Tom

 

[Dreman]

Just try it on a 1968 Ford LTD. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get the stupid thing out! Then I looked at a shop manual, and the recommended method was to cut a hole in the steel inner fender! There was even a raised line pressed into the fender showing the cut line. Then you were supposed to buy a patch panel from Ford to cover the hole. It's not likely I would have found one 25 years after it was built! I wound up removing the inner fender instead.

 

[Randy Daniels]

Caymen, that's what I'm gonna try tonight when I get home. As for the miles, I can't remember exactly! We'll see if the Stopleak wrks! Thanks

 

[TomT]

Get a good aftermarket one. Do NOT get a Ford heater core replacement. They're crap.

 

[Todd Z]

The heater core on a bronco II takes 5 min.... Sad, I wounder why ford could not design them all like that..........



It took longer to re fill the coolant....



Todd Z

 

[Gavin Allan]

I tried to change a heater core on a Mustang II years ago. That was a huge pain in the ass. I had boxes of stuff taken apart and lying around and still couldn't get to it.



You need a shop manual at the very least before tackling this one.

 

[Todd Z]

My MII was not that bad, took 6 hours.... LOL



Todd Z

 

[Chase Straw]

I did one on a focus, about 7,000 miles before my brother in law total the car, took about 8 hours to do, dash, center console, steering wheel/column, airbags all had to come out, luckily the insurance company gave my sister some money for having just done it. If you do decide to go for it make sure you have a book.