Re: I got a different "bite"

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <004601bf27a8$0e473580$142cba8c@tnestor.cyberportal..net> "Tom Nestor" writes:

> >While motoring about on a cold, wet and windy day, climate control set on
> >"bilevel" to keep my tootsies warm, the car windows suddenly all steamed
> >over.  A switch to "defrost" didn't clear the windshield until ten minutes
> >later and the rear window remained misted (but I didn't turn on the rear
> >defogger).

> Most likely a leaky heater core

Oh, no. No, no, no.  _NO_!

It's most likely a broken return spring on the recirculation flap.

                         BTDT _TWICE_!

So it happened to me last week.  I got all clever, and took my own
advice.  But - I have an aftermarket aircon and it doesn't have a
spring.

(Well - it does, but it's integral to the vacuum actuator and unlikely
 to break.  The flap was still stuck, but that's another story.)

So I bit the bullet, and tore the car apart.  Literally.  This is one
_MOTHER_ of a job.  Not for the faint-hearted.  What did I find?

One intact heater core, and two blocked drains.  With the aftermarket
system, you can't even see the drains are there.  Both were blocked
with leaves (one was folded into itself, possibly by a monkey lad
working on the steering rack underneath it) and the whole space was
filling with water.  Of course, on a sharp bend it spilled into the
blower blades and dumped hot water vapour into the car.

Check, in the following order:

a) The recirculation flap is working

b) The drains are clear

c) Your wallet

--
 Phil Payne
 UK Audi quattro Owners Club
 Phone: 07785 302803   Fax: 0870 0883933