I recently had my radiator replaced on my 89 740 wagon. Now, the defroster doesn't seem to work, the windshield fogs up , and when i do turn on defroster, vapor clouds come out of the vents but the window doesn't clear. I changed the thermostat, the temp guage goes to the middle like it always did before, but i get that fog, and a strong heat smell when i turn on heater or defroster.

Any thoughts??

 

Maybe the heater core is leaking.

 

Tech - You were correct, i had it confirmed by my shop that the radiator core is most likely the cause. They don't fix them there and suggested a few radiator specialists shops.

After reading several posts in the forum, it looks like this will be a pricey problem. Is it possible to disconnect the heater core until i get it fixed? Would that also effect the A/C?

If it is possible, how is it done?? From under the hood??

Finally, this all started when my main radiator blew out? Coincidence, or could some build up of pressure have caused both?

Thanks for any and all help and answers.

 

Yes you can bypass it for now.
Find where the heater core comes through the firewall. Disconnect both hoses. You will need to find a small pipe ETC that both hoses can slide over then make them go to each other and it is bypassed.

Also when the Radiator blew did you change the thermostat?

If not check it and see if it is broke.

If it is then it is building up to much pressure in the system.

 

I had the radiator fixed at a shop and they did not change the thermostat. I noticed the heat smell and fog a few days after and changed the thermostat myself. The old one was broken, one of the sides that holds to longer spring side.

The fogging seemed to get worse after i changed thenthermostat. I got a quote from one radiatorshop of about $1200. and another said they wouldn't touch it, it is a dealer job.

I was thinking about giving stop leak a try..what do you think?

 

NO NO that will cog other things in the system.

Bypass it for now and keep looking for a cheaper price.