96 Taurus cooling problems

[Hit the Brakes]

Hi Folks,
New to the forum--Sounds like a really useful place to hang out.
I'm a weekend mechanic with a (seemingly) simple problem. I have a taurus in which the heat has been working less and less. Since it's 10 degrees here, this is a pressing issue.

I am thinking that my coolant has clogged up the heater core (either that, or I need to replace the heater). I have used the "flush n fill kit" years ago with a read-wheel drive vehicle (no trans mount engine) and found it simple. However, with a transmount engine, I just can't figure out how to use this. I am to install the "tee" into a heater hose at the back of the engine. Which one? Where? I don't want to just go cutting hoses unless I am sure. Is there another method that is just as effective?

Your assitance is greatly appreciated!!
HTB

[Banjoman10]

Before you do the heater core flush or replacement are you sure your coolant thermostat is working properly? (i.e. not sticking open) Also is the air blend door inside the heating system working the way it should? The core replacement is a nasty job.

[Hit the Brakes]

Thanks for the reminder. Duh..The thermostat....Fairly quick and cheap repair. I will DEFINATELY try this before anything else. I don't know how I overlooked that (Some weekend mechanic I am )
I think that I will try the therm replace, and then a colling flush, if needed.

Thanks!!!!
HTB

[Hit the Brakes]

By the way, you mentioned that I should also check the air blend door. I have never heard of this. Does it operate much like a "furnace register"?
Thanks,
HTB

[KimMG]

After your car warms up, check both heater hoses to see if they are hot. If one of them is not very warm, it is a symptom of a partially clogged heater core.
The inlet will be hot, the outlet will be the cooler one.
Flushing the heater core is pretty easy. You flush it separate from the rest of the cooling system.

How I flush heater cores:
Parts needed, a length of 5/8" diameter hose (a section of old garden hose), a female garden hose end, a couple of clamps.
Disconnect heater hoses from core.
Cut the above length of hose into pieces.
Attach one end of hose to the outlet of the core, and using the garden hose end, attach it to a garden hose hooked up to a faucet.
Attach the remaining piece of hose to the inlet on the core and point away from the motor.
Turn faucet on full. The motor is off while doing this.

It was suggested in another thread to flush the steel pipes that the heater hoses are connected to.
Just follow the coolant lines from the heater core.

[Hit the Brakes]

Thanks for the very detailed reply---I will try this out this coming weekend!!
Thanks again
HTB