Possible heater core problems?

[angelus_2003]

I just had to go through the lovely task of replacing the heater core on my 84 Camaro Berlinetta. But now i've run into the problem of the inside of the windshield fogging up really bad, what did i mess up now? As well, the voltage alarm and light are now always on yet i can't find anything wrong ith the alternator, the battery or the cables.

Also, my engine seems to like stalling out, i'm not sure if the carb is shot or what, i don't think it's the fuel pump as when i put the pedel to the floor it sounds like it's being flooded but the engine keeps running, albeit very very poorly, sometimes when i step on the gas, it sounds as if it's about to stall, if i let up on the gas it will stall, i put the pedel to the floor and it sounds as if it's about to stall out but doesn't get any better, when i pull over and park it, it will either die, or go back to running like normal, most of the time it only does this when it's cold out, yet once or twice it does it in the summer.

any idea's?

[Blue Bowtie]

I'm guessing the car has the LG4 engine, correct?

You have listed several problems, so I'll take a stab at each of them, one at a time.

Heater Core

The heater core is not terribly difficult to replace. The most difficult parts are removal of the upper core case screw inside the vehicle, and the heater hose disconnection and connection in the engine compartment. For the heater hoses, you're on your own. The core case upper (hidden) screw can be removed if you remove the large (8mm) lower right dash screw from the kick panel, flex the dash panel toward the rear of the vehicle, and reach through the gap created with a 7mm socket on a 6-10" extension on your ¼" drive ratchet. This permits access without having to remove the upper dash pad.

If your previous heater core failed, and the replacement is now apparently creating mist and fogging the windshield, you may have residual coolant in the foam sound deadening surrounding the heater core and in the ductwork. That should all be washed and thoroughly rinsed with hot water, then be allowed to dry completely. The heater core may be evaporating this residual moisture and depositing it on the windshield. Unfortunately, the coolant will take a long time to evaporate (since it's a glycol mixture) and the condition may esist until you wash the foam thoroughly. Personally, I like to test any replacement heater core for leakage, just because.

Low Voltage

In the process of removing and replacing the heater core, you may have disturbed the wiring for the choke heater circuit. The choke heater power and warning system is heavily reliant upon the charging system operating properly. There is a choke heater relay in the Convenience Center under the dash. If this is poorly connected, the CHOKE and/or CHARGING warning indicators may be lit.



Check the choke heater power relay and both the power and ground connections at the choke element on the carburetor. You may also want to check the choke heater fuse.

Stalling
If the choke heater is not operating properly, the choke may not be opening, causing a severe rich condition and the symptoms you describe. The vacuum pull-off may be trying to open the choke slightly to prevent stalling, but the mixture will still be very rich. There is another, remote possibility trhat during the hearer core replacement you inadvertently disturbed teh ECM harness connectors. This would prevent proper operation of the Mixture Control Solenoid on teh carburetor, and default to a more rich condition with no timing advance. However, this should also be accompanied by the CHECK ENGINE lamp being illuminated while the engine is running.