I have a '98 SC F-150 with 65k miles on it. Recently I have gotten a very musty smell in the cab, which has a slight sent of antifreeze. When I have the defroster on "hot", I get a white steam out of the vents - but when I turn it to "cold" the steam goes away. There is no film build up on the windshield from the defrosters, nor any coolant pooling up on the floorboard. My trusted mechanic thinks does not believe that it is a heater core issue, but the condenser pan is clogged and not letting water drain properly - which is a simple fix. His suggestion is that the hot air passing over this pooled water is causing the steam and the mildew/musty smell.

I am really hoping he is right since I have seen postings where heater core replacement are >$600, but the steam out of the vents has me a little concerned. Anyone have a similar experience that would rule out a heater core replacement or is this just wishful thinking?

 

I'd say your mechanic has BTDT. I'd go with his advice on this one. Hopefully, he cleaned the drain hose so the problem will go away.

It may be necessary to treat the A/C system with a proper cleaner to get rid of the residual mold/mildew that is probably still in the system.

Steve

 

Sorry to ask a dumb question - what is "BTDT"?

 

$600? My heater core was $1,400!!!! The steam problem is how my heatercore problem started, but I would get steam out of all vents on heat, cold or a/c, with the heater on high, low, or even off. I never got the anitfreeze on the floor boards, but it did start leaving puddles of antifreeze under the truck.

 

BTDT = Been There, Done That....

 

Unfortunately - after unclogging the drain tube - a greenish/yellow liquid started dripping onto the ground with the distinct smell of anti-freeze. Needless to say - I am getting a new heater core. We have 2 Ford dealers in the area - one quoted $600, other $450. Guess which one I went with?

Thanks to all that replied.