Heater problems

:banghead:

I've found tons of info on this site about problems with Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable heater problems. I'm just having problem trying to decide where to start with repairs. So, here's my problem. Maybe someone can help.

97 Mercury Sable
The cabin heater takes forever to start producing warm air. I have experimented with how long it takes to heat up. I've allowed the car to heat up to normal operating temperature and then turned on the heat, only to discover that the air flow starts out hot, then quickly turns to cold. I also discoved that I have visible exhaust coming from the tail pipe since this heater problem started. When I experimented with turning on the heater after the car heated to normal operating temperature, the visible exhaust increased until the heater was turned off. I haven't seen anything posted regarding ehaust and heater problems. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Mike

When was the last time you changed the thermostat?
Also, when was the last time you flushed the coolant system?

I changed the thermostat and flushed the coolant with no change in results. I'm greatful for any more ideas / help.
:banghead:

Try flushing only the heater core forward and backwards- this will help for awhile....seen a few like this.....also check water pump for fin corrosion- very common....

Wondering if u ever got the heater thing worked out. I have a 98 sable doing the exact same thing. I live in Northern Minnesota and a good heater is required.

I did solve the problem. The heater core was really nasty. I thought I flushed it correctly. Instead I flushed the by pass hose, which came out crystal clear. Once I did flush the core correctly, it made all of the difference in heating. Don't try to remove the hoses so that you can reuse them. Go ahead and cut them off so that you can peel them away from the aluminum fixtures that go into the core. Good luck.
Mike

I use a stanley knife make a single cut from the back to the front of the fitting. I then put a screwdriver in the cut and twist then it pulls right off.
Is this what your doing?

thanks for the info on the heater core flush process. I will be doing that, but hope to figure out my turn signal/flashers failure first. Can't very well drive the car in the winter up here without turn signals. Again,
thanks