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        General >> Problems >> Steam from Vents
        
(Message started by: d0ugal on Apr 17^th, 2005, 10:53am)

Title: Steam from Vents
Post by d0ugal on Apr 17^th, 2005, 10:53am

Hi all

ok I have a small problem with my Scorpio, intermittently I have steam coming from the left hand and centre vents inside the car. it sometimes leaves a greasy resadue on the windscreen and passenger window. on first sight I thought it as smoke but it has no real burning smell.
It can start after a short journey or if you have to accelrate quick and only last a about a minute and then goes and doesn't happen all the time.

my mechanic winces - sharp intake of breath and says heater matrix, expensive! He has added high tech sealant to the coolant system which I have recently read is a no no?

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions :(HELP

Title: Re: Steam from Vents
Post by Snoopy on Apr 17^th, 2005, 11:30am

It does sound as though the heater matrix is leaking , It is NOT an expensive item to replace but the time needed to take al the dash out is the expensive part.
It is quite an easy job to do provided you take your time and don't force anything.
I have heard reports from members who state that it gets easier the more times you do it.

Good luck

Title: Re: Steam from Vents
Post by admin on Apr 17^th, 2005, 9:25pm

This can also be caused by a total lack of R134a.

It would be wise to get the ac/cc checked out.

Pete

Title: Re: Steam from Vents
Post by Octavian_P on Apr 18^th, 2005, 7:02pm

if you could get the heater matrix out (and is damaged) you could repair it. It's made from a cooper circuit paced between aluminim fins. Usualy it barkes somewhere next to it's hose connectings or on it's edges. If it's easy to get to that spot, it can be soldered in a few minutes. To test it have it filled with water and put a cap on an end and leave the other one in the highest position posibble comparing to the rest, gravity should take care of the rest.

PS. BEFORE you start making your car to pieces look at the coolant level is it going slighty down after seeing steam come out ?

I don't have my scorp from a long time, but i saw this happening to another car, and was something hilarious, water from the rain got somehow passed through the vents/windshield and got in the heater, in winter cold the water turned to vapors, nothing wrong with the heater. So try to search also for this.