1981 TA Stroker - Steam Coming Into Passenger Vent - Water Under Passenger Floor

[Jack4]

Hi All, I'm new to the TA forum and just bought a TA and have noticed a problem.

When running, there is steam coming in through the passenger vent, and on the passenger side underneath the floor, there is water being held.

There is a 1-foot patch that seems to be getting wet underneath, even though it's in the garage for 2 weeks. The carpet is not wet.

I just ran it in the garage and noticed this then.

Could the steam and the water underneath be related?

What's happening?

Any guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Jack

 

[Knightrider189]

It sounds like a bad heater core and is leaking.


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

 

[Jack4]

Thank you, Knightrider189, for your answer.

That would make sense.

Would that also explain the steam rising from the outside windshield passenger vent?

 

[Knightrider189]

If your heater core is leaking, then yes, it could.


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

 

[Jack4]

Cool, thanks!

I will check that out, see some Youtube videos on it.

I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

 

[hartmanjt26]

I'm having the same problem as of yesterday.

Is it drivable to the mechanic?

 

[Knightrider189]

Cool, thanks!

I will check that out, see some Youtube videos on it.

I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

Any update friend?


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

 

[Knightrider189]

I'm having the same problem as of yesterday.

Is it drivable to the mechanic?

It depends on the coolant level of your radiator, and how bad is the heater core is leaking.

It could be a dry-rotted or loose coolant line.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

 

[hartmanjt26]

Funny thing, I called five different mechanics yesterday, and none would agree to fix it.

I guess it's not that easy to access. I saw one YT video where a guy got to it through the glove box area.

I wish I could get to it!

 

[Tbone]

It depends on the coolant level of your radiator, and how bad is the heater core is leaking.

It could be a dry-rotted or loose coolant line.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM

X2 w knight rider 189 assessment.

I would add I wouldn’t try driving it until rerouting/looping around ur in/out hose connections for coolant in & out of the heater core.

While your heater core is a PIA to get out, cutting it out of the cooling circuit procedure is easy & assuming your radiator is good, driving anywhere is fine; you’ll just dress warm!