I added some Bars Leaks sealant, the glittery aluminum stuff to my radiator because of a heater core leak. Not wanting to talk about the merits of adding this stuff, but they say to run the vehicle with the controls on heat. Well it is in the 80s here and I don't like roasting and sweating.
On my 2001 Ranger 2.3L DOHC is there any reason the coolant is not coursing through the heater core even with the system on AC?
I don't believe there is a valve that shuts out the heater when not in use. Seems to me that the coolant circulates through the heater core all the time, no matter what setting the HVAC is on.
Besides, I already ran 150 miles with the HVAC set to heat/defrost and the window open. So it probably has had plenty of time to fill the pinhole leak. Background is that I started smelling antifreeze but there was no wetting of the floorboards/carpet, so the leak must be minuscule.
The smell of antifreeze has weakened considerably since adding the Bars Leaks, so I think I am good for now. Of course it may come back next year or so. The vehicle is a beater though so I am mainly trying to buy time not make a permanent fix.
On my 2001 Ranger 2.3L DOHC is there any reason the coolant is not coursing through the heater core even with the system on AC?
I don't believe there is a valve that shuts out the heater when not in use. Seems to me that the coolant circulates through the heater core all the time, no matter what setting the HVAC is on.
Besides, I already ran 150 miles with the HVAC set to heat/defrost and the window open. So it probably has had plenty of time to fill the pinhole leak. Background is that I started smelling antifreeze but there was no wetting of the floorboards/carpet, so the leak must be minuscule.
The smell of antifreeze has weakened considerably since adding the Bars Leaks, so I think I am good for now. Of course it may come back next year or so. The vehicle is a beater though so I am mainly trying to buy time not make a permanent fix.