musty smell from hvac system
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 10
From: Chicago IL
musty smell from hvac system
I have an 85 with 48k miles. within the last year or so, a musty odor has developed in the hvac system. I've heard that trapped moisture might have caused this. Any suggestions on how to clean the system are appreciated. Thanks. :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: musty smell from hvac system (viii)
Its normally mildew or mold that starts to grown within the evaporator core. They do sell stuff that can be sparyed on it to clean it out.. I know Chrysler makes some and i'm sure other companys do also.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, MD
Re: musty smell from hvac system (viii)
Yes they make the stuff which in essence is a can of Lysol. However, Lysol is much cheaper and comes in an array of refreshing smell.
step1: turn on the HVAC to vent from outside air.... spray 1/4 can of lysol into the vent intake from the outside of the car where the wriper motor tranny is.... then turn it off... wait 15min to 1/2 hr... then turn on the ac and blow it all out...
step 2 repeat step 1
at this point you should still have 1/2 can left... it should be good for one more treatment if problem doesn't go away.
Note: check the drain and make sure it is drain properly....2)whenever possible. turn the compressor off before parking the car... turn on the vent a min or 2 before stopping. that will make sure any moisture will be gone before you stop your car.
Alex
ASE. MACS
step1: turn on the HVAC to vent from outside air.... spray 1/4 can of lysol into the vent intake from the outside of the car where the wriper motor tranny is.... then turn it off... wait 15min to 1/2 hr... then turn on the ac and blow it all out...
step 2 repeat step 1
at this point you should still have 1/2 can left... it should be good for one more treatment if problem doesn't go away.
Note: check the drain and make sure it is drain properly....2)whenever possible. turn the compressor off before parking the car... turn on the vent a min or 2 before stopping. that will make sure any moisture will be gone before you stop your car.
Alex
ASE. MACS
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Dunnellon, FL, US
Re: musty smell from hvac system (viii)
I had the same problem with my 84. You can remove the fan motor resistor from the top of the evaporator enclosure and use a hose to wash the evaporator core.
If you run the water to hard and long you might get water in the passanger compartment, so be careful. Also you may have some leaves or debris plugging the drain hole in the bottom of the evaporator enclosure. Any water you put on the evaporator core should drain right out through this hole. :chevy
If you run the water to hard and long you might get water in the passanger compartment, so be careful. Also you may have some leaves or debris plugging the drain hole in the bottom of the evaporator enclosure. Any water you put on the evaporator core should drain right out through this hole. :chevy
