Heater core replacement how-to
 

Now that I have my car on the road after having to replace the crank pulley I am getting a musty smell from the vents when the heater is on. I really cant tell its its antifreeze or old car smell. But the windows of the car will fog up after its parked. I have done some searching and I have seen some mention of a "how-to" for the heater core but the link was dead. Does anyone have a working link to this and is there any other issues I should address when I am there?

Joe

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

Does it fog up when it rains? It could be moisture from any of the seals. Mine fogs a little but from the humidity.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

Kia ora Joe,

Accessing the heater core involves taking one hell of a lot of stuff apart. I have been there and no the score. Believe me, you should first investigate further, in the hope that there are other options.

There could well be some sort of deposit lurking somewhere within the system. Heating and ventilating specialists run up against this sort of problem and may provide a clue or answer. It is surprising how helpful people can be and a phone call could be worthwhile.

Best of luck, Trevor.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

I have never done a heater core on an SVX but have on a few imports and like previously stated that should be a LAST resort unless you want your car off the road for good period of time. I don't know if they have a cabin air filter but that could have something to do with it. Maybe you could try blowing out your air ducts with some compressed air. It could break loose any unwanted mess in there. But the fog would indicate some moisture getting in the system from where. Hopefully its nothing too serious.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

You can have it done in a day 1st time but it takes alot of time and patience. I've done it 2 times now on the svx (never put a used heater core in)

Here is the nightmare:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...suby/core2.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...suby/core4.jpg

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

HOLY ****!!! I'm getting another Trans Am. 20 minute job.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

aaaaahhh run away.. looks like fun. are there any unique clips up by the windshield like on most car and how would you get them off. Is there a interchange part that will work from another subaru, there was some mention of it in this thread but I think is was concerning the RHD cars.

Came home today and the pass side carpet of my car was wet with water not antifreeze, this could be the cause for the fogged windows when the car sits. So I removed the seats, console, and carpet to let it dry out and trace the leak.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

TRY THIS FIRST. take some simple green and water and drip a small amount down your vents (not the ones above the stereo unless you want to short out your source unit). Hopefully this takes care of your smell.

As for the humidity inside the car, it could very likely be coming from your tail lights. They are known to leak. Check for water in your trunk by your spare. You can fix the leak by sealing them into place with silicone.

Good luck.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

If your carpet was wet with water check to see if the sunroof drain behind the kick panel is facing away from the inside of the cabin.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

Nothing really, just holes at the windshield and pegs on the underside of the dash that drop right into them.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

I did not think of simple green to get rid of the musty smell in the car great idea. Some time over the weekend if there is not a lot of snow I am going to check the drains and water shields for the rear windows b/c the rear seat foam was wet also. If I replace the heater core I might take some photos and make a write up then.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

The tail lights are very easy to check. You have 2 access panels in the trunk directly in front of your tail lights. Remove them and check for moisture around the holes for the lights.

If there is moisture back here you will need to seal your tail lights with silicone. If the car was parked on a hill with the front facing downhill it could explain your wet seat, i suppose. But that could be an unrelated problem.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

Is there a write-up on sealing the tail lights , do they need to be removed? i think i have some black strip caulk in my roll-away to seal them.

Re: Heater core replacement how-to
 

Try the search button. There is not a write-up to my knowledge, but that does not mean it doesn't exist. It is fairly simple though. You just want to seal anything that can let moisture in. But don't do the drain paths. If water just sits there it will possobly corrode the structure.

I recommend silicone, but if it seems like what you have will work, go for it.

Too much silicone can make it difficult to remove the lights later.