I have a 1992 Lincoln continental and all of a sudden there is
this steam that comes out of the vents that smells like coolant and leaves a thin film on the window.
1) Is it the heating core or could it possibly just be a hose???
2) Will it damage the car to drive 15 minutes so I can get to work?
ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE SO MUCH APPRECIATED
2007-10-31 13:46:01 · 13 answers · asked by styna85 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like your heater core is leaking. It isn't unsafe but driving it will ruin the carpets, if it hasn't already and long term will lead to rusted out floor boards.
2007-10-31 13:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have steam and coolant smell, you have a leak in the heater core. Look no further. Get it to a garage for replacement. Smell alone would be an engine compartment leak, but the steam in the car indicates antifreeze leaking into the heater box under the dash. Check the carpet on the passenger side to confirm the leak, cause if its leaking the carpet will be wet.
As for driving it to work, if you run it low on coolant, say bye bye to the engine.
2007-10-31 14:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by largecar8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heater cores like to find that one spot on the windsheild to
fog up.
Its a sweet smell...
The two hoses that go into the fire wall get a 1/2 pipe about
4 inches long and two extra ladder clamps remove hoses
from fire wall and attach both to the pipe and tightened up
ladder clamps.
It will be cold but you will make it to work for a long time.
2007-10-31 15:43:25 · answer #3 · answered by PENMAN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the heater core most likely (because the steam comes out the vents).
You can bypass the heater for the trip by rerouting the heater hose right back to the block.
2007-10-31 13:53:42 · answer #4 · answered by yosemitezuzan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
hose possible but very unlikely most likely is heater core. full of water you can probably make it for 15 minutes but it is risky. try turning heat off, if it is heater core that could solve your problem temporarily get it fixed soon before you do more damage.
2007-10-31 13:55:20 · answer #5 · answered by michr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely the heater core. You can bypass it under the hood with some hose and a clamp.
2007-10-31 13:54:28 · answer #6 · answered by Garfield 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, either the core has a leak or you have a bad hose. You would be taking a real chance driving it in that condition.
2007-10-31 13:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by Otto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a bad heater core and you can drive the car but keep check on the radiator coolant as it doesn't get low and have it fixed ASAP.
2007-11-01 14:03:41 · answer #8 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say one if two things either a busted hose or a bad heater core.
2007-10-31 14:11:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
heater core is bad. i do not suggest that you drive the car for the reason that the fumes from the anti freeze are not good to inhale. plus with that film on the windshield it makes it hard to see
2007-10-31 13:54:19 · answer #10 · answered by hermitofnorthdome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋