Explorer Heater Tube question

[Z Bronco]

For my 351W EFI conversion I am deciding on which heater tube setup to use. I have the Mustang heater tube and an Explorer heater tube (which is missing the connector that goes into the intake). The Mustang tubes seem to put the hoses right into the C4 dipstick (could shorten the tubes) while the bend of the Explorer tubes clears easily. Since I haven't been able to find any other Explorer heater tubes from the local wrecking yards I went to the local Ford dealership in search of one. Ford lists two different tubes for the Explorer and I am curious what the difference is between the two. One is for 1996 - 2/6/97 and the other is from 2/7/97 - 2001. Another possibility is I can get just the connector for the heater tube I have, but Ford wants $54 for it.

Just as I am about to post this I find out that the dealership can only get the '97-'01 heater tube ($98), or the fitting......... Oh well, at least I am getting to work on my Bronco again.

 

[mattt]

I don't remember which is which, but I think one of the Explorer heater tubes has a small hose nipple like the Mustang ones and the other Explorer one does not.


How do you get that lower fitting off without destroying the tube flare? I've never been able to figure out how to remove the fitting off the tube.

 

[Z Bronco]

The fitting was already off when I got the heater tube from the U Pull It yard (they didn't charge me for the tube), I wanted it to do a trial fit.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I don't remember which is which, but I think one of the Explorer heater tubes has a small hose nipple like the Mustang ones and the other Explorer one does not.

I've seen that difference also. The small nipple is for EGR coolant flow. If you don't use EGR you don't need it. The explorer tubes are also different than the mustang tubes in that the ECT fitting is in a different location. The explorer uses it at the manifold fitting where the mustang has it further up the tube. A problem is the ECT sensor won't fit on the explorer tube with a distributor. Simple solution is to swap temp gauge sensor and ECT sensor locations. I really like the way the explorer tubes bend to the passenger side at the rear.

 

[Rox Crusher]

The later Explorer tube has the EGR coolant nipples.

Since I didn't retain the EGR set up I just put a small length of hose between the two.

I used some formed hoses between the heater tubes and the heater core connections. They fit great except for one of them interfered with the heater control valve so I had to cut an inch or so off of the tube to create necessary clearance.

 

[Z Bronco]

Do the later Explorer heater tubes have the screw in fitting like the Mustang tubes where it connects into the lower intake, I read on a different site that some tubes pressed into the lower intake instead. Wanting to make sure before I order the tubes from the local Ford dealer as they have a restocking fee if the heater tubes are not the correct ones. I have a 351W Lightening lower if that helps.

 

[Pedestrian]

Do the later Explorer heater tubes have the screw in fitting like the Mustang tubes where it connects into the lower intake, I read on a different site that some tubes pressed into the lower intake instead. Wanting to make sure before I order the tubes from the local Ford dealer as they have a restocking fee if the heater tubes are not the correct ones. I have a 351W Lightening lower if that helps.

All the Explorer heater tubes are the screw in style.

 

[mattt]

All of the ones I've seen are screw in. The tube itself pushes into the fitting, but I've never been able to figure out how to remove the tube from the fitting without destroying the end of the tube once it's pushed into the fitting.

I thought all Explorers didn't use EGR....Or was that just internal EGR that Explorers didn't use?

 

[Rox Crusher]

All of the ones I've seen are screw in. The tube itself pushes into the fitting, but I've never been able to figure out how to remove the tube from the fitting without destroying the end of the tube once it's pushed into the fitting.

I thought all Explorers didn't use EGR....Or was that just internal EGR that Explorers didn't use?

Explorers used to have internal EGR but went to external sometime in 97

 

[Z Bronco]

Thanks Everyone!

 

[airbur]

Is there a part number for pre-bent hoses that work with the Mustang or Explorer tubes?

 

[mattt]

Is there a part number for pre-bent hoses that work with the Mustang or Explorer tubes?

Are you using stock heater with tubes coming thru firewall in stock location? If so, Viperwolf has the part # for a pre-bent hose that works well.

 

[tasker]

Warren, shoot me a pm if you're still looking....i AM a Ford parts guy afterall

 

[airbur]

Yes.....OEM heater on a 1970.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Is there a part number for pre-bent hoses that work with the Mustang or Explorer tubes?

Are you using stock heater with tubes coming thru firewall in stock location? If so, Viperwolf has the part # for a pre-bent hose that works well.

Autozone #4336.

 

[airbur]

4336 works for both hoses? Also, any part number for the other end of the tube into the pump?

 

[Mountain Ram]

Did you ever get these hoses figured out? I am dealing with the same issues...

 

[Z Bronco]

I haven't put any hoses on yet as I just finished modifying the heater tube getting it ready for install (haven't been able to work much lately on my Bronco). I will post what I end up using for hoses.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I used autozone #4336. Landshark found some that worked even better (longer hose) but you'll have to ask him for the part number.

 

[DEEPWOODS]

The explorer tubes I ordered have a push in fitting with 2 or 3 O rings on it so it will not work with my lightening intake, its threaded. I can take a pic and post