Radiator cracked?

Question

If a radiator is cracked or the car is overheating and producing smoke, is it possible for the smoke to come in through the air vents and into the cabin? I need to know for the sake of realism in a fictional story I'm writing. Any play-by-play of what happens during this problem would be appretiated (as I am not looking to go find out through experience :))

Answer 1

Yeah if the radiator cracks under pressure (from a overheat) it will spray water/coolant on the hot engine causing steam/white sweet smoke that can come in through the vents, from under the hood fogging the windshield and making it dangers to drive.

Answer 2

Smoke will come in the cabin but there wont be enough to cause a dramatic effect. The intake for the cabin air is usually located in front of the windshield. The car would really have to be smoking tons for you to get enough smoke in the cabin that you couldnt see.

Answer 3

If the heater core cracks or the pipes into it on the cabin side (inside the car) break, you can get steam, oily residue, bad smell inside the car. It's an SOB to clean off the inside windows.

No smoke though.

A major break in the cooling system up front can produce a LOT of steam.

Answer 4

A radiator cracked can come into the air intake if on that side of the engine that the air intake is. The fumes can make one sick or kill them. also if the heater core leeks the same thing only more notice able.

Answer 5

more likely if the heater core springs a leak or cracks.
they can do it if the car is over heating badly..
then you have steamed windows water pouring from the dash.. and you can have hot water squirting on the passenger's feet

Answer 6

Absolutely. Happened to me once when I blew a hose in Jan in a 88 ranger pickup.

Answer 7

that would probably be steam rather than smoke, and it would most likely the smell would come through into your face but not very much steam.