Steam coming from the defroster vents means your heater core is wet which means it's leaking. But I know you know that already. It's just a confirmation of your origional diagonosis.
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11:06 PM
fierofool Member
Posts: 12818 From: Auburn, Georgia USA Registered: Jan 2002
The reason I said get a core for an AC equipped car is because I'm told that the AC and non-AC equipped heater cores are different. The parts store should ask that question. Of course, they'll ask you if it's an automatic or manual, too, even if you're just getting a tail light bulb.
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11:51 PM
Nov 7th, 2010
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Got the heater core removed this afternoon, well for the most part, couldn't get one of the hoses loose. I will post a pic of what it looked like later. So replacing the core will stop the water from coming out? The casing around the core was full of water once I got the case open all of it came out. How do you know if the core is bad? I just hate to buy one, and it not fix my problem. You know?
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06:34 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Here is what the core looks like. 300zxmaster told me its probably bad. Looks like it was rusted on the inside. I will get one ordered tonight. About the only thing holding me back from driving her long distances.
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06:47 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
well there was water in the casing that surrounds the core, and havent driven the car since the last bit of water poured out. So that could be why its wet too.
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08:08 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
Haha, that was not a leak, that was a dang faucet turning on!!! So could that be the reason all the water came out of the hole under the front of the car? Is that a drain hole of some sort? It was towards the passener side under where the A/C condenser is. There were 2 hoses going up into the boot right next to it. Doesn't look like anything is supposed to be connected there.
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08:41 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
When the AC runs and is cooling outside air, the cooler air can not hold as much water as hot air. The water condenses out on the AC coils. That water needs to be drained out and that is the function of those tubes. You have seen water under cars with the AC running before I am sure. All cars have them. Same with whole house AC units.
A big part of what makes AC air more comfortable is the removal of that moisture. So in your Fiero, as in many other cars, when you turn the heat lever up some with the AC on, it then WARMS the air by running it through the heater core. The resulting air has had the moisture removed and is quite comfortable.
When you run the defrosters on an AC car it also runs the AC compressor to dry the air before blowing it on the inside of the windshield.
[This message has been edited by phonedawgz (edited 11-07-2010).]
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08:49 PM
PFF
System Bot
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Ok, I know exactly what your saying, and that could have something to do with my situation, but what happens with my car is not dripping!! About the same time water pours on the passengers feet, water POURS underneath the car, and I have to put more water in the car at the motor. When the car sits and runs, no water comes out the hole, but as soon as its warm and in gear water just piyrs out of it. I suppose it has something to do with heater core flooding and running out the bottom of the car as well as in the passenger area of the car.
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09:01 PM
fierofool Member
Posts: 12818 From: Auburn, Georgia USA Registered: Jan 2002
That same drain tube that drains the AC condensate will drain the leakage from your heater core, too. Problem is that it's not designed to drain a lot of water at one time, so if the heater core leak is severe, it overflows into the passenger compartment. The drain hole for the heater/ac core box is somewhat difficult to find when looking up underneath the car. I believe the 2 hoses you're seeing are the bottom ends of the 2 that attach to the back of the heater core.
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10:07 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Also, as previously stated my A/C compressor is not in the car, and the air never worked so the condensor getting condensation on it and dripping to the ground will never happen in my case. So if I ever have a leak under my car it is most likely not a good thing at all!
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10:07 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Thank you fierofool for the clarification! That seems to be exactly my problem!! And after thinking about how the hoses were run on the car that seems like it would be the hoses running out of the heater core, then under the car, with a drainage tube right next to them. Good News, so changing the heater core will fix all my coolant and water leaking out of the car. Then I can actually doing a flush and the flush liquid will actually circulate through the hoses. I am thinking about buying the fastback conversion for sale in the mall by the guy from Athens "psychosurfer". What all do I need to make sure I get? And how difficult is this conversion. Doesnt seem too terribly difficult mostly bolt on from what I have seen. Here is what I have found to need...the clip, decklid, grills, taillights, fascia, trunk gasket, trunk covers, window trim, and wiring harness. Anything left out? and is $300 a good price? He would be meeting me off the interstate near Statesboro I assume. So not much traveling on my part.
There are a total of 15 parts involved in the swap, but 2 of them are not *needed* - the drip rails. There are the two brackets that the engine vents bolt to (that bolt to the shock towers), & I think the other parts you left out is the sail windows. BTW; I make sail louvers to replace the windows that you can still see out of... HTH, EDIT: The 15 did not include the rear fascia. psychosurfer is a great guy, & I think $300 is a good price. OK it's more than 15 parts total... ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
[This message has been edited by Tha Driver (edited 11-08-2010).]
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02:10 AM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Haha, a lot to look for. Just trying to make sure I get everything. I'd hate to get a partial fastback conversion parts and have to spend the money I'm saving on getting it from him on the parts that were left out.
What do the sail louvers look like that you make? I already have 2 things on my list I want from you, might add another.
Yeah I took photos of the aftermarket wing, but haven't taken the time to upload & send them to you. You can see the sail louvers in this thread: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...070315-1-061103.html They're on the black & primer car starting about halfway down the page. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
Haha, a lot to look for. Just trying to make sure I get everything. I'd hate to get a partial fastback conversion parts and have to spend the money I'm saving on getting it from him on the parts that were left out.
We can always make the brackets for the engine vents, if we have to. I think there are 2 other little brackets that the clip bolts to, but I can't remember exactly. I'd jump on that offer even with a few parts missing. With the taillights, it's a steal. If you don't buy it let me know, & I'll try to swap some parts or labor for them (or pay cash if he still has them when I get paid). ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
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01:31 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Hell, since you want it, I will buy it, and if I decide not to do it, I can swap you for something. I like the corvette look. Wish I was capable of doing some of this stuff. Ha.
Hell, since you want it, I will buy it, and if I decide not to do it, I can swap you for something. I like the corvette look. Wish I was capable of doing some of this stuff. Ha.
I can do that. I'm *supposed* to ge getting another Fiero (After all; I only have eight projects I need more! ) that I'd love to swap into a fastback, & will trade labor or parts for it. But if you like the fastback, I'd rather see it on your car & I'll look for another when the time comes. Either way is fine with me. At that price buy it. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
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09:10 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
I will get it, and would love it on my car. So here is what he listed. Anything missing I need to ask about?
Here is a list of all the goodies: Clip, tail-light wiring harness, drip rails (not perfect), inner window trim, decklid, engine vents, brackets for towers, taillights (have typical de-lamination), one sail panel (rough shape), taillight screws, caps for trunk (D-shaped parts), weatherstripping (ROUGH shaper), gas door.
Like I said, there are two little brackets that go under the clip near the back of the sail panels - IIRC. Might ask him to check for those. I assume he's pulling all of this off a car (or he may have already done so & the car is gone).
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11:51 PM
Nov 9th, 2010
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
Got the heater core put in this afternoon. I will see if It holds the coolant now. I am in good shape now. Have to adjust shifter cables, and get my calipers and rotors in, and I should be driving her everywhere!!
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09:48 PM
fierofool Member
Posts: 12818 From: Auburn, Georgia USA Registered: Jan 2002
If you get it road tested and determine it's dependable, maybe a trip to the meeting this Saturday? If you're unsure, get 300ZXMaster to follow along for backup?
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11:11 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
Would be nice, but before I can go on a long trip I have to buy new tires. I am waitin on mine to blow any second. They are dry rotted real bad. I will probably stop putin money into the car until after christmas. Have to be nice and think about others a little bit, so exhaust, tires, and truelelo will have to wait.
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07:14 AM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
Would be nice! I'd like my fiero to be pretty quick in the long run. I will probably go the turbo 3.4 route depending on the circumstances when I am ready to do it.
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11:13 AM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Adjusted timing with the timing light, and the car seems to run good. Got a code 24 which has to do with the speed sensor. My odometer, and speed o meter haven't worked since I have had the car, but the code just came on. I also changed the air temperature sensor this afternoon.
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06:38 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
You didn't drive it long enough before to overcome the threshold of the VSS not working.
So take out the VSS (On the tranny, two wire connector, not the Blue/Green one) Its a bit lower by the axle. It's held down by something that looks like a distributor hold down clamp. Take the bolt and little hold down thingy all the way off. Then when you pull up the VSS be careful you don't drop the plastic gear off of it and down into the tranny. Once out, with it plugged in spin the VSS (key on engine off) and see if the speedo responds. With no VSS input you will have problems with the engine stalling when you stop for a red light.
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06:45 PM
86FIFI Member
Posts: 749 From: Statesboro, GA Registered: Aug 2010
Pulled the speed sensor, and spun it and got a reading on the speed o meter and traveled a tenth of a mile. There was no plastic gear, so I ordered another speed sensor. Also when we were reading the code while the jumper was in the diagnostic connector the IAC was going crazy and clicking. But when the jumper wire was removed it stopped.
Also, when checking the TPS, I got a reading of .8-3.45 (closed throttle-WOT)
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07:13 PM
phonedawgz Member
Posts: 17091 From: Green Bay, WI USA Registered: Dec 2009
