Smoke from the dash
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Smoke from the dash
Hey All!
I have an 86 F-150, 4.9L I6. I replaced the thermostat a few months back b/c I was over heating when idling.
Every now and then, I get a white smoke from my defrost vents and under the dash. I think it may be my heater core. Is this correct?
Thanks!
Jim
I have an 86 F-150, 4.9L I6. I replaced the thermostat a few months back b/c I was over heating when idling.
Every now and then, I get a white smoke from my defrost vents and under the dash. I think it may be my heater core. Is this correct?
Thanks!
Jim
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Kuna ID
I believe there are also some resistors under the dash, and debris can collect on them and burn. Does the smoke only comeout when the heater is on or can it happen anytime? Does it smell electrical or chemical?
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Coal Creek CO
I would not take it out like that. Breathing coolant can't be good, and you will be constantly loosing coolant.
Camping is important, I would do this: You can easily disconnect the supply and return hoses from the heater core and join them together with a union connector and be good to go. Fix it when you get back. Of course you are then without a heater, but it's summer time, who needs heat.
Jeff
Camping is important, I would do this: You can easily disconnect the supply and return hoses from the heater core and join them together with a union connector and be good to go. Fix it when you get back. Of course you are then without a heater, but it's summer time, who needs heat.
Jeff
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Coal Creek CO
Originally Posted by jimmer-48
It smess more chemical. When I put the defrost on it does get worse. Also, when the smoke hits the window, it's difficult to get off. It's not like steam.
When you get back from your trip do a thourough inspection of your radiator, radiator hoses, heater hoses and replace that heater core.
There is absolutely no question in my mind, having seen this exact thing more than once, your heater core is leaking.
Good luck,
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Fisher; Jun 14, 2006 at 09:36 AM.
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From: Billings Montana
You know, it's not that hard to replace a heater core and it would make a lot more sense than plugging it off until after the trip. It should only take you an hour at the most to change it out.
The only reason I'm saying this is if you don't have time to fix it right, when are you going to have time to do it again? Here in Montana, it can get cold in a heartbeat. I've seen it be 80* one day and the very next it was snowing, so you never know when you need your heater.
The only reason I'm saying this is if you don't have time to fix it right, when are you going to have time to do it again? Here in Montana, it can get cold in a heartbeat. I've seen it be 80* one day and the very next it was snowing, so you never know when you need your heater.
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Yeah, I'd just replace it. I'm not sure if it has the same setup as my 85 F150 351, but I think its easier to replace than I made it. I ended up having the whole dash out, then realized that there were just a few nuts or bolts in the engine compartment to undo. Also 2 or 3 inside maybe?
As far as breathing in the coolant... The last job I had we used a 88 Econoline van. One of the hoses was unsnapped from the heater core, so the coolant was leaking into the cab on my side, as well as steaming up the cab. The guy that drove the van was too lazy to fix it, so it went on like that until I got tired of breathing that stuff and getting my feet soaked every morning. I ended up fixing it all myself, just by doing alittle exploring.. took just a couple minutes.. I hated that job! I also wasn't geting paid for overtime, even though I had overtime every week... Whoops.. sorry... I'm still just alittle mad... Lol
Have fun camping!!
As far as breathing in the coolant... The last job I had we used a 88 Econoline van. One of the hoses was unsnapped from the heater core, so the coolant was leaking into the cab on my side, as well as steaming up the cab. The guy that drove the van was too lazy to fix it, so it went on like that until I got tired of breathing that stuff and getting my feet soaked every morning. I ended up fixing it all myself, just by doing alittle exploring.. took just a couple minutes.. I hated that job! I also wasn't geting paid for overtime, even though I had overtime every week... Whoops.. sorry... I'm still just alittle mad... Lol
Have fun camping!!
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Hey thanks for the advise!
It was definitely the heater core causing the problem. I bypassed it last night, put more coolant in and I was cool all the way to work this morning and more importantly, no fog in the cab!!
As I don't have time this weekend to change it, I definitely will next weekend. Does anyone know how to tell if it's a "high flow"? The NAPA guy told me there are two showing up for this truck.
By the time I get done with this thing it'll be like a brand new one!
Much Thanks!
It was definitely the heater core causing the problem. I bypassed it last night, put more coolant in and I was cool all the way to work this morning and more importantly, no fog in the cab!!
As I don't have time this weekend to change it, I definitely will next weekend. Does anyone know how to tell if it's a "high flow"? The NAPA guy told me there are two showing up for this truck.
By the time I get done with this thing it'll be like a brand new one!
Much Thanks!
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i have a 85 F150 with AC and the heater core for mine cost like $25.00 from Kragen auto parts bought it about 1 year ago, only took about and hour and no dash disasembly was required except removing the glove box.