Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 7/2009 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Defroster produces steam 200 1984

When my engine warms up and I turn on the defrost it blows out a hot fog that has a slight antifreeze smell. If I run the defrost very hot and for a long time the steam decreases & eventually stops. However, after the engine cools the steam starts again as soon as the engine warms up. I suspect coolant is dripping/condensing inside the heater area when the engine cools but I can't see any leaks, visible water or even moisture in the engine compartment or under the dash. I'm not sure where to look or what I may need to open/disassemble to inspect and repair this problem. On cold & damp days I can't use the vehicle because I can't keep the inside of the windshield clear enough to safely drive. If anyone could provide some guidance here I'd be most appreciative.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Defroster produces steam 200 1984

    I can't add to the other suggestions, but as you probably know, antifreeze is quite toxic, and you don't want to be breathing the stuff! I wouldn't suggest using the car until you can either fix it or drain the coolant and replace it with plain water (i.e., no chance of freezing).
    --
    '81 GLT 245 W/245K; '83 DL 175K








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Defroster produces steam 200 1984

    If you are really lucky, the leak will be from the hose connection(s) where they tie to the heater core. If you can remove the little central storage compartment in your upper dash panel, or the glovebox, you can get a look at them. Look for whitish powdery deposits at the joints.

    Otherwise the leak is in the core itself. As said it's DEEPLY buried in behind the centre console and requires removal of a very large pile of parts and disconnecting a lot of wiring to access. I just replaced the one in my son's 81 and it wasn't a job I'd recommend to a rookie home mechanic. Took me many many hours and the car was out of commission for a long time. You may hear from others here that they have done the job in a single day, but I have to believe that's with previous experience or with excellent skill level.

    Take a look at Art Benstein's page regarding blower motor R&R. The heater core is another layer of parts and difficulty beyond this.

    go to: http://www.cleanflametrap.com/

    With that observation, I'd say even a "rookie" can do this job, but be prepared for a lengthy downtime, and a lot of questions directed back here...which we'll be glad to help with. Your motivation? this job is probably booked at about 6+ hours shop labour by a professional at, what, $70/hr?

    --
    Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar 77 MGB, and a few old motorcycles)








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Defroster produces steam 200 1984

    It would seem that the heater core is leaking coolant. It probably only leaks and therefor steams when the car is running, making it difficult to detect. That problem would be consistent with the symptoms you describe.








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Defroster produces steam 200 1984

      Any suggestions about how to inspect the heater core? Where is the heater core? Is this a repair for an so-so mechanic?








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        Defroster produces steam 200 1984

        The heater core is one half of a "sandwich" buried deep within the bowels of the dash which also contains the blower motor. The labor to replace the core is essentially the same as that required to r&r the blower motor, and the motor 'n resistor are so cheap that you might as well do both while you're in there.







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.