Coolant haze through HVAC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
From: Brandywine, Chester and Ridley Valleys Pennsylvania
Coolant haze through HVAC
I'm getting some coolant "steam" through the defroster/vents all of a sudden. Enough to offend the nose and condense on the windshield occasionally. This started when I removed the AC compressor for weight savings, but how could that affect the HVAC (manual controls, not electronic)? Is there a line to the heater core that I need to plug? Thx in advance...
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 336
From: Haymarket VA
Re: Coolant haze through HVAC (TrueBlue ChevyDude)
ok, third strike, the heater core is the only place where coolant and inside air would mix. Unfortunately since winter is just about here, you can't bypass it until you get the chance to replace/repair it.
Anyone know how hard it is to get to the heater core?
Anyone know how hard it is to get to the heater core?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
From: Brandywine, Chester and Ridley Valleys Pennsylvania
Re: Coolant haze through HVAC (GSMVette 919)
Heater core, hmmm,I thought this might have been the culprit. Thanks for the confirmations, folks.
I don't mind trying to bypass it for now, I assume you mean just joining those two 1" diameter coolant hoses a'la throttle body bypass mod? I don't mind not having heat for a while (next time she's in the shop for something else.) if it's this simple.
How much is the part(s)? Could/should I do this myself? It doesn't seem to be much except removing several bolts and brackets from what the Haynes book says... Again, thanks for the replies...
TBCD
1988 Corvette Coupe Midnight Blue, 4+3
ZR-1 5 spoke 9.5" rims wearing 275/40 BFG Gforce
Stock engine, 138,000 miles (many of them sideways)
Open Air Lid, MAT relocation, ported MAF
SLP ported runners, ported stock plenum
Hooker SuperComp long tube headers
Dual exhaust with X-pipe, no cats, Borla mufflers
McLeod Twin Disc Clutch/shaved steel flywheel
Fastchip calibrated stock ECM
NX 175 shot progressive nitrous kit
1990 Corvette Convertible, Black w/ black top
6-spd, FX3, 33,000 miles
100% Factory stock
I don't mind trying to bypass it for now, I assume you mean just joining those two 1" diameter coolant hoses a'la throttle body bypass mod? I don't mind not having heat for a while (next time she's in the shop for something else.) if it's this simple.
How much is the part(s)? Could/should I do this myself? It doesn't seem to be much except removing several bolts and brackets from what the Haynes book says... Again, thanks for the replies...
TBCD
1988 Corvette Coupe Midnight Blue, 4+3
ZR-1 5 spoke 9.5" rims wearing 275/40 BFG Gforce
Stock engine, 138,000 miles (many of them sideways)
Open Air Lid, MAT relocation, ported MAF
SLP ported runners, ported stock plenum
Hooker SuperComp long tube headers
Dual exhaust with X-pipe, no cats, Borla mufflers
McLeod Twin Disc Clutch/shaved steel flywheel
Fastchip calibrated stock ECM
NX 175 shot progressive nitrous kit
1990 Corvette Convertible, Black w/ black top
6-spd, FX3, 33,000 miles
100% Factory stock
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Re: Coolant haze through HVAC (89 Bob L)
Do you smell antifreeze? Wipe your finger across the mist...does it have a slightly sweet taste to it? If so...you have a leak either in or very near the heater core (like where the hoses connect). If not, if it's just vapor w/o antifreeze, you could just be getting some condensation at the heater core or again, outside water finding its way into the core area.
There is a small heater/ac drain tube at the bottom of the box. It normally has a slightly wedged end with only a small opening. I'm assuming this was to keep road water from getting in. IF this tube is blocked up, it will not allow condensation from the core to be drained off. It will then be picked up by the fan (fumes or steam) and deposited inside the car.
It's a long shot granted...but that was what was wrong with mine. I messed with the little rubber hose to assure it was open. It had gotten closed up with dirt and such. Some liguid drained out...I've never had the problem revisit me.
Worth a try before you go to the time and expense of replacing the core...BUT, it's probably the core. :)
There is a small heater/ac drain tube at the bottom of the box. It normally has a slightly wedged end with only a small opening. I'm assuming this was to keep road water from getting in. IF this tube is blocked up, it will not allow condensation from the core to be drained off. It will then be picked up by the fan (fumes or steam) and deposited inside the car.
It's a long shot granted...but that was what was wrong with mine. I messed with the little rubber hose to assure it was open. It had gotten closed up with dirt and such. Some liguid drained out...I've never had the problem revisit me.
Worth a try before you go to the time and expense of replacing the core...BUT, it's probably the core. :)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
From: Brandywine, Chester and Ridley Valleys Pennsylvania
Re: Coolant haze through HVAC (emoshn)
Thanks again for the replies, It's coolant for sure, I wish it was only moisture. I just bypassed the entire core with some heater hose and capped the open ends of the core... Might be a little chilly, but I'll deal for now...
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