Smoke/steam in passenger cabin...help!

[Freak SHO]

Has anyone had a problem with this? It didn't have any particular odor/color, but it came out near the floor heat vent, and when I pulled over to investigate, I couldn't see any sign of spraying a/f, or leaks anywhere except on both sides of the radiator, dripping onto the ground. I turned the heat on after this, and it proceeded to steam up the windsheild, but there was no more steam visible in the cabin.

I'm confused, if it's the radiator, why would I get steam? If it's the heater core, why are there leaks at the front of the car? Any ideas? shrug

 

[projectSHO89]

Did the steam leave a hard to clean film on the windshield?

If so, it is coolant.

Did you just start up the air conditioner or was it off?

If it was coolant, check your heater core inlet hoses for leaking at the firewall. Very common. An inspection mirror and a flashlight are the tools.

If there is no evidence of coolant leak at the inlets and you continue to get coolant steam into the cabin, you most likely have a leaking heater core.

Steve

 

[jthomas68]

Yes,sounds like a heater core to me.Run the ECC on defrost only for a few minutes and feel for a greasy film.

 

[Freak SHO]

Ok, so the greasy film is there.

Am I looking at 100% positive heater core? I can't see leaks, but when I get the chance today, I'll check for A/F coming out of the evaporator drain...

I have run a search on "heater core" and after researching old threads, the only thing I found out is it could take anywhere from 1 to 48 hours, and that I may or may not have to remove the dash completely. Can anyone give me a general overview of the easiest possible replacement?

Also, I saw in an old post that Rob had a neighbor who he said could do the job for around $300? Is this still true? Has anyone taken a SHO there? I would rather do myself, but if it's really going to take all of 2 days, I'll pony up the dough.

Thanks in advance, folks.

Ben

 

[projectSHO89]

It is not positively 100% the core until you have eliminated ALL other possibilities.

Make the check I indicated VERY carefully.

You'd feel pretty bad if you replaced the core when it was only a hose connection. You MUST use a mirror and light to view the bottom side of the connection on the side closest to the firewall. Make sure the system is pressurized, either with a pressure tester from AutoZone ($75 refundable, AZ9300) or by running the engine until it reaches operating temp. It is unlikely that you will ever see the leaking connection without putting that small mirror under the hose and checking.

If there is absolutely no evidence of leakage at the hose connections and you also have coolant coming out the drain (below the lower AC line), then you have your diagnosis of the core.

There are no shortcuts.

The dash has to be pulled back (not completely removed from car) far enough to remove the case that holds the heater core and the AC evaporator core.

The AC system must be discharged and the lines disconnected from the evpaorator.

I could do mine again in 6-7 hours if I had to, but the first time took over 20-25 hours over two weeks. Your time will vary depending depending on your skills, tools, and the condition of your car.

A shop would probably charge you around 8-10 hours or so.

Steve

 

[89 black SHO mtx]

alldata labor guide calls for just over 8 hours but the time will depend on your abilities as a mechanic good luck i hate doing heater cores on any taurus

 

[RJ-92]

Mine is toast too, I just picked one up this week at hutchin's for ~$45. Not looking forward to putting it in. I 'll have to wait 'till school alots me a little free time.

<small>[ March 20, 2003, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: RJ-92 ]</small>

 

[Devin]

Mine blew two months ago. Only thing I can do is keep my heat off and my window rolled down. I used stop leak and that finally worked after a month or so, but then it failed after four days.

I would say, try the stop leak, but more than likely you will have to do it the hard way.

Devin

 

[Freak SHO]

I checked the hoses, no leak. Also, I can see where it's draining out of the heater box, so I'm thinking it's definitely the core...I'll be looking to bypass this weekend.

That'll buy me some time...

 

[SLOSHO89]

I knew a guy that took his dash out to put in a new heater core, turned out to be one of the hoses that it connects to. Lets just say he wasn't to happy.....

How do you like your '86 mustang? I've been thinking about getting one.

 

[Freak SHO]

I love it, I would say that's the best year since I really like the look of the "4-eye" body, but it has the EFI 5.0...so I'm not always tweaking a carb. I'm looking for an '86 LX coupe, though, that's my Mustang wet dream. thumbs_u boink