I really need some help. I have been trying to replacethe heater core in my 98 Mountaineer. I have a Haynes manual thatI have followed closely to get the dash out butit just won't come out. Are there any shortcuts? I now understand why several repair centers wanted to charge$800 to $900 to do the job. I must admit, I have considered a sawz-all. Thanks! Edited by: tasharp72

Looks like I don't need help. I got the dash deinstalled and I didn't use my sawz-all either. The Haynes manual failed to mention some of the big bolts above and behind the top of the dash; they only mentioned the bolts on the sides. I am in the "put back together" stage.


Here is what I found from a Ford release:


Date: 08/06/01
<UL =disc>
<LI class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Climate Control - Repeat Heater Core Failure </LI>
<LI class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">


MERCURY:
1985-1994 Topaz
1985-1997 Cougar
1985-2002 Grand Marquis
1986-2002 Sable
1991-1999 Tracer
1995-2000 Mystique
1999-2002 Cougar
1993-2002 Villager
1997-2001 Mountaineer


ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit (repeat) heater core leaks. This may be caused by a chemical reaction called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves an ion exchange between the heater core and engine coolant which can result in a breakdown of the heater core material. This is similar to the operation of a battery.</LI>
<LI class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">


Electrolysis Inspection:
If there is a condition of a heater core leaking or repeal heater core leak, check for electrolysis using the following procedure:

NOTE: Export markets, be sure the water is desalinated.

</LI>[/list]