SMOKE Geeze
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
SMOKE Geeze
I went to the store and came out to a little condensation by the defrost vent. So I turned on the defroster and 
Smoke started pouring out of the vents. I guess I know why the heater core was bypassed when I got it now. I have been driving it for weeks since I hooked it back up with no issues. I turned on the vents and the smoke stopped. I tried it in my driveway after getting home and it was OK at first but then the windows started fogging but verylittle smoke. I am wondering if it is worth it to toss some Bars Stop Leak in (GM uses it)? I know the final solution is a new core but I do not want to pull the dash out yet. I know I could rebypass it but I need defrost sometimes. Has anyone had sucess with the stop leak for any length of time?
Smoke started pouring out of the vents. I guess I know why the heater core was bypassed when I got it now. I have been driving it for weeks since I hooked it back up with no issues. I turned on the vents and the smoke stopped. I tried it in my driveway after getting home and it was OK at first but then the windows started fogging but verylittle smoke. I am wondering if it is worth it to toss some Bars Stop Leak in (GM uses it)? I know the final solution is a new core but I do not want to pull the dash out yet. I know I could rebypass it but I need defrost sometimes. Has anyone had sucess with the stop leak for any length of time?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
JIMO, I'd NEVER put stop-leak into my cooling system.
Two summers ago I replaced the heater core in my "new" '88 IROC-Z; though it was the 1st core I'd ever done it went very smoothly with the FSM as my guide.
Two summers ago I replaced the heater core in my "new" '88 IROC-Z; though it was the 1st core I'd ever done it went very smoothly with the FSM as my guide.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I am just wondering if my 93 is as easy as L98 cars. The FSM directions have me disconnecting just about every wire and hose in the dash to do it but some of the write ups I have read do not mention any of that and make it sound sorta straight forward.Is this is a case to ignore the FSM and can I follow the write ups from the late 80's cars?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I wouldn't discount the FSM without actually seeing the setup in detail.
I guess you could start into it and go with the best method; in any case you will see what needs to be disconnected as you proceed.
I suspect most of the project is about getting the front off the plenum so you can access the heater core.
I guess you could start into it and go with the best method; in any case you will see what needs to be disconnected as you proceed.
I suspect most of the project is about getting the front off the plenum so you can access the heater core.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
What I am trying to avoid is pulling the dash pad. I know they never go back exactly right and end up rattling or creaking. I haven't looked at it yet but I assume the biggest difference between the right ups I have read is the glove box. I wonder if that comes out without pulling the dash if it does I can see it being a little easier.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have it and several other versions bookmarked. All of them are for earlier C4's I am looking for input from someone who has done a 93 and up core with one of those methods.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Nothing on JetJock except a few posts. I remember him . Bypassed it for now while I figure out the best way to approach it.Procrastinating actually I am not looking forward to this..
Still looking for someone with a 93 to chime in on this though. I will PM Mojo.
Still looking for someone with a 93 to chime in on this though. I will PM Mojo.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
I'd try the stop leak. Been using it myself since the 70's. If it doesn't work, your out a couple bucks.
The heater core started leaking a little in our Dodge Durango last year. The fix is to evacuate the ac and tare dash apart to the firewall. Before tackling this myself which I'm not in the mood to do or pay someone $600 to replace a $40 part, I tried stop leak. After a few days the steam and coolant smell went away. Been good since. I do carry a splice and a few tools on long trips so I can by pass it just in case it really fails a long way from home. Stop leak works fine for minor leaks. Won't do a thing if somethings really wrong though.
The heater core started leaking a little in our Dodge Durango last year. The fix is to evacuate the ac and tare dash apart to the firewall. Before tackling this myself which I'm not in the mood to do or pay someone $600 to replace a $40 part, I tried stop leak. After a few days the steam and coolant smell went away. Been good since. I do carry a splice and a few tools on long trips so I can by pass it just in case it really fails a long way from home. Stop leak works fine for minor leaks. Won't do a thing if somethings really wrong though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
Look for jetjock93 or jetjockey93, he and I used to converse all the time. He is now in the c5 section, think he is jetjockey. Do an archive search for my id and pke, he helped me diagnose my pke problem.