Not sure..maybe Heater-Core?

[richsvo]

Okay guys...I have a problem that when my car gets warm, or if I'm sitting in traffic, the temp guage goes sky-high, and I get a smoke-like substance from the a/c vents. Does this sound like a heater-core going? It also covers my windshield with a greasy like film...Please help????

[SVOeric]

2 of the things you describe (the vapor, and the windshield fog) sound exactly like a heater core going bad.
I would bet yours is leaking.

the temp gauge going sky high is probably another issue.
I say probably, I dont see how a heater core could cause your car to overheat. the way the flow of the coolant is designed, even if the core was completley stopped up, coolant would still pass through the engine fine.

You may have another probelm, possibly with the all-famous ford electric fan. When your temp was soaring, was your fan on???

[richsvo]

Nope, Eric, I don't believe it was...why? Is there a fix out there for this?
Thanks

[SVOeric]

there isn't a common fix, but it is a common problem!

if the fan don't kick on when your car starts to get hot, normally when you are sitting still, if you are driving, you will never have a problem.

there are lots of things to start checking...

there is a sensor on the bottom of the intake that is there for no other reason in the world, but to tell that fan when to kick on.

Then, there is a bit yellow/white box under your dash, I believe it says TRX on it (i think??) that is the controler for the fan.

Make sure you check the wiring from and to each of these parts, as they are known to get hot, and start to melt.

And goodluck on that heater core!! they are so much fun to change!!!

[richsvo]

Eric,
Thanks for that info. will let you know what I find out... Haven't I seen some sort of modification or something about that fan somewhere?
Anyway, time to get to work, I guess...
Later

[SVOeric]

there are lots of different mods for this problem...

some people like to wire in a switch to turn the fan off and on.

some just hardwire the thing,

and probably the best solution is to pick up a aftermarket fan controler. Usually they run about $35 or so, and are normally adjustable.

A lot of people put in the adjustable controler, becuase they dont like the temp that the stock fan kicks on. I haven't had my svo running long enough now to decide if I need one. but before i took it all apart, it never sat still long enough to get hot!!!!

[richsvo]

Eric,
Thanks again...I know what you mean about not sitting still long enough; except that now is construction season here in Chicago, so now I have to sit still a lot! Sucks! Anyway, I think maybe I'll just hardwire the thing and see how that does...I have checked the coolant, and everything seems fine there, so I think it has to be the fan not kicking on. I'll let ya know if that fixes it. Thanks for all your help.

[SVOeric]

Being on constantly can cause some other issues....

those fans draw a lot of amperage...and can cause charging issues, and the wiring that connects the fan is not really designed for constant on, so unless you run it directly off the battery, it can be a fire hazard.

I really dont want to see your car on the news in flames...

[SVOPaul]

Regarding the fan....run a toggle switch and a relay so that you can turn it on when you want rather than run the whole time....as far as the heater core and cooling system...get yourself a pressure tester and test the cooling system for leaks. The last thing you need is antifreeze pouring all over your carpet or worse...hot coolant spraying or dripping onto your significant others feet....if you smell coolant inside the car and get a fogging on the windshield.... you most likely need to replace the heater core.

[richsvo]

Eric, and Paul... I want to thank you guys for all your help. I wired in the switch (Found a wiring diagram on Dave Compton's site) and it works like a champ! You guys rule...
now for that damn heater core...

[SVOeric]

oh man.. all I can say is I wish you luck on that core. They are a beast! here is a little advice (even tho I know you didn't ask )

basically, pull your dash out, and lay it on the front seats
Dont forget that one little bolt that is right in the top center of the steering column, cause it woun't come out without it.

There should be enough cable, and hose on your heater controls and such to set the dash in the front seats without having to disconnect everyting.. chang the core (like 4 bolts, makes you mad once you get to it, it is so easy to change)

At one time, i wrote up a full detailed description on how to remove the core, with all the stuff that the manual leaves out.. but it has been a while since I have seen that...

I'll look if you are interested, but no guarantees...

[richsvo]

Eric,
That would be awesome. I'll probably do it this weekend! So, if you can't find it, then no prob. (only one way to learn...the hard one). Now if only I could get past the problems the car decides to give me, and move on to fix the things I WANT to fix, you know?
Anyway, thanks again a million!!! You guys really have your Sh*t together! Talk at ya later

[SVOPaul]

One more bit of advice....Be VERY careful when removing your dash and if it resists, find out why first...if you pull on it you could break/crack the dash! These dashes are plastic and can become brittle over time. Just take your time and you should do fine...Good luck!

[richsvo]

Thanks, Paul...will do!