[Ranger]

Heater cores usually do not just "crap out". They slowly clog or start to leak. If you are suddenly getting no heat, I would suspect a different problem. Is the blower working? That is a far more common problem. Been there, done that.

 

[Ranger]

Was the air mix door linkage disconnected or is the actuator bad?

 

[Ranger]

Yup you'll have to R & R the actuator. I have never had to do one but it is kinda tight in there as you have already seen. Search for a post about actuators. I think Ewill3rd once talked about it. No idea on price.

I have never had a clogged heater core yet, though I have read about some. I would think flushing is the best medicine.

 

[Ranger]

Nice write up Krimson. :thumbsup: I copied it to the Tech Tips section.

 

[Ranger]

Was it the air mix door you where moving? Where the hoses to & from the heater core hot? Are you sure that the restrictor is in the proper leg (I forget which one)?

 

[Ranger]

Yeah, might be air in the system. Sounds like coolant is not circulating through the core.

 

[Ranger]

:thumbsup:

 

[Ranger]

Just rev the engine to 3000 - 4000 RPM and it will purge itself of air.

 

[Ranger]

If it leaks, it needs to be changed. Otherwise, it doesn't.

 

[Ranger]

I think you are talking about a hose clamp tool on a flexible cable for those hard to reach places. Something like this?
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/AP-9409.html