Is this true??

Let's say your heater is working properly.

Your AC compressor does not work.

Your front interior windshields steams up w/ the heater.

Does the compressor work in conjuction with your heater when it's on?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Scott, it depends on the year/make/model of the vehicle. Many engage the compressor by default when "defrost" is selected.

Devon

 

Jason,

It's just that it takes so long to get rid of the windshield moisture.

DaWildcat,

If the compressor doesn't engage would this be a symptom?

 

bad heater core.

 

If you're talking about a '71 Skylark with a/c, then yes, the a/c compressor should engage when you turn the controls to "defrost". If the compressor does not work, then all you're doing is blowing more moist air at the already wet windshield. It will eventually dry out as the air in the car circulates, but it will take a long time, just like what you're describing.

 

My 71 had air on it and I know for sure that the compressor did not turn on with the defrost. I would feel around on the floor on the passenger side to see if it is wet there. Sounds like your heater core is leaking. The other thing to check is that there is a vent hole at the bottom of the part the has the air conditioner coil and maybe there is water in there that is not getting out. Crawl under the pass. side and look up and you should see a small boot there that lets water out from the air conditioner system. This may be plugged up and not letting the water out. Otherwise I would say the heater core is leaking. Check the rad and see if the water is going down.

 

Yep "racer" I do have the ac compressor out at this time.

Sounds like it may affect the defrost when on heat control.

I didn't know they were related....until recently someone told me that.

Thanks, appreciate everyones help!

See I knew we could be friends.

 

Either the drain is plugged or the heater core is leaking, probably both.

We cannot be friends until you stop talking in bold caps.:moonu:

 

the alternative is to not breathe so much

 

I don't smell anything sweet, nor do I see anything leaking, but will have to crawl underneath shotgun side and attempt to look near the heater core.

Oh yea, the reason the compressor is out is because the clutch has frozen up.

Thanks

 

You do not need the A/C comp to run to defrost your windshield.It does help to defog the inside when it is very damp and humid but check your outside/recirc door to make sure it is open to outside air.If it is stuck open to recirculate inside air the air will have too much humidity and will condense on the cool windshield.

 

:gp: I for got all about that one. The window will fog up if the system is on recirculate. maybe there is a vacume line off somewhere. there is the canister outside on the firewall maybe the hose came off.

 

What kind of canister? Vacuum hose? Thanks

 

There is a canister that is on the firewall above the voltage regulator. There is a hose that goes to it that is connected to the engine vaccum and the other end goes into the car to the heater control in the dashboard. When you put the switch on recirculate you can hear the air go to the proper door to open or close it to operate the proper system. This needs to all be working or the recirculate door will stay open and you will just get recirculated air. The canister is round and about the size of your fist. This holds the air to operate the heater system.

 

Do you mean the vacuum pod? One hose is larger than the other.
If this is it I do have it presently disconnected.

 

Yep, I do have heat.

 

That sounds like the part try to hook it up and see what happens