Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

Water in My Defroster/Heater?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 08:56 PM
  #1  
wrenchtech's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 9
From: S.E. Wisconsin
Water in My Defroster/Heater?

Ever since it got cold here in Wisconsin I've noticed that my defroster has become a refogger. It seems like there's water in the heating system that causes the windows to fog up every time I turn on the heat. I don't think it's the heater core. I've experienced that before and I remember the strong smell of anti-freeze and the slimy vapor it deposited on the windshield. I think this is rainwater. I'm hoping there's a drain in the firewall/bulkhead that's just plugged up with leaves and not a structural issue (read rust). Any ideas on checking it and cleaning it? -- Matt

Last edited by wrenchtech; Nov 29, 2009 at 08:58 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 09:07 PM
  #2  
abecedarian's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,723
Likes: 6
From: Temecula Valley, CA
It's partially caused by hot air can contain more moisture. When the warm air hits the cold windshield, the moisture condenses, much like steam condenses on the bathroom window during a shower.
Try lowering the windows 1/4" or so, so that moist air from inside (including from your own exhalation) can vent out of the truck.
Try switching from fresh air to recirculating on the controls (or vice-versa).
Try running the a/c if you have that- the cold a/c evaporator will condense moisture out of the air before it goes up to the window, but you may have to fight for a comfortable temp in the cab.

I've found that on my 91, the combination of rolling a window down slightly, putting the vent on recirculating and fan on high (it doesn't have a/c) keeps the fog to a minimum.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #3  
peow130's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,887
Likes: 16
From: Spokane, WA
I just blast outside air and full of defroster/fogger/whatever..
It doesnt fog up at all.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 09:54 PM
  #4  
algranger's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 3
From: Here in the PNW
I would still place my bet on heater core.... i just replaced one wednesday. When it started a few weeks ago there was NO hint of antifreze for the first week. It was just foggy.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2009 | 09:57 PM
  #5  
algranger's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 3
From: Here in the PNW
Oh and like abecedarian said, i need to crack my windows a half inch or so but i like to run the vents on fresh.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
moparbay
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
5
Oct 6, 2015 09:24 AM
puddlepirate
84-85 Trucks & 4Runners
4
Sep 29, 2015 08:02 PM
Matthew Perez
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
9
Sep 28, 2015 05:43 PM
mtrdrms
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
3
Sep 26, 2015 07:12 AM
LotOMiles
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
8
Sep 14, 2015 11:45 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:39 AM.