Taurus heater problem

[dddcccmack]

I have a heater problem (1997 Taurus 85,000 miles) . . . no heat/low heat. Im thinking pluged hoses/value or worn pump. The engine temp gauge read normal so im thinking not a pump problem. Before I open the heater hoses I see theres a "T" in the line . . .is there two heater cores? Both look like they go into the fire wall. I read on a priop post there is a . . . by pass hose? I could understand a bypass hose if there was a value to control direction at the Tee but i dont see a value at the tee. Anybody know whats with the hoses? thanks.

[porscheman9101]

there is no heater controll valve on your car hot water flows thru the heater all the time, there is a blend door that moves and directs the hot air to the vents. it sounds like the heater may be disconnected, heater core failure is common on fords

[madnessinc]

I have a 98 and two years ago I also had no heat. I took a garden hose and flushed the heater core. I also changed the coolant. The heater worked great so then three months later I did it again just to make sure I had everything clean and would not have to do it again. The wife told me this weekend that the heater doesn't work.
My 98 has a bypass hose and I have been told this bypass hose is to lower the heater core pressure but I'm thinking of plugging this hose. Has anyone done this?

[medicmandan]

Just dealt with this on my 99. My temp gauge also read normal. It started out with a bad blend door motor. After I replaced that, I only had heat when I was moving. Replaced the water pump. There was almost nothing left of the blades. I also flushed the heater core when I did that.

[cuda_jim]

Originally Posted by madnessinc

My 98 has a bypass hose and I have been told this bypass hose is to lower the heater core pressure but I'm thinking of plugging this hose. Has anyone done this?

I just plugged the bypass hose an do not notice any overheating problems. The heat now works very good. I have flushed the heater core 3 times within 4-5 months and every time I get a lot of junk out of it. I don't under stand how the bypass hose could lower the pressure in the heater core, it could only reduce the pressure in the hose leading to it. Flow is the real problem here.

I read the Ford TSB recommendations and I just can't justify removing the freeze plugs from the engine to clean out the engine block. I placed a coolant filter in the heater hose going to the heater core and will clean it when the heat begins to diminish.