Possible Heater Core

[MitsubishiRunnr]

Alright so i've searched and searched, but the answer's never seem to apply to me. I recently purchased a 98 RS. Now the heater does not work, and there is a thin cloud of smoke coming out from the vents. The smell is sweet, i've heard different things from different people, most being that its FREON. The thin smoke always coats up my windows and makes it very difficult to see. I'm trying to narrow the problem down and so far it seems to be the heater core. Anyone with any input would be appreciated Thanks Guys

 

[JayRolla]

Its radiator fluid not freon. You heater core must have a small leak and that would cause it to come through the vents. I had the same problem on by Bronco. Check under the core inside the car for coolent, if its bad it will leak in the interior. If its small it will just steam up. Almost postive its the core and they are not fun to replace ive heard.

 

[Auto RS T]

Sounds like a heater core to me too.

Usually when they go bad fogging windows is your first clue. Look for coolant on the plastic pieces near the core, also feel the carpet by the core it will probably be wet with coolant.

Have you checked your coolant level? If there is no heat than most likely there is no coolant in the core to heat up the air out of the blower.

You can temporarily bypass the core if need be. Just unplug the hoses from the core and insert a small metal/plastic tube inside, butt the hoses together and clamp them down. Top off the coolant. Remember I said temporary until you get the core.

If it was freon the A/C would not be cold.

 

[92awddsm]

If it was freon the A/C would not be cold.

If it was freon, you would be too high/dazed to remeber what it smelled like. Definately heater core problem. As stated, feel the carpet and it will probably be damp from the leak.

 

[JayRolla]

Also check fluid like stated above, if the heater is not working and you have a leak you are most likely out of coolent and thats not good for the motor.

 

[MitsubishiRunnr]

Hey thanks guys, thats pretty much what i've eliminated it down too. Also decided that it might be too much for me to chew being my first dsm, and knowing nothing about heating and cooling , so i'll probably just have a shop do it. How much do heater cores run (not instalation costs but that actual part)

 

[JayRolla]

Not sure, never really heard of a core going out on our cars. The only hard part is taking the dash apart to get to it. The heating and cooling systems in automobiles are real simple how they work. Buy a Haynes manual and do it yourself. It will be 10 times cheaper and you can practice taking one out of a junk yard so you can tear it apart learning the process and just use the core out of that car. No need ot buy a new one\

 

[keymaster]

I had this happen on my first car, a '93 Accord. Coolant was all over the carpet under the dash, and it would bloke thin vapor from the vents. Cost about $1200 to replace at the dealer if I recall.