[08smoker08]

Anyone else having issues with their AC smelling on startup?

I recently have had horrible smells coming out the vents at startup and then it goes away after a few minutes. Is there anyway to get rid of this?

 

[wp6529]

http://wpnet.us/AC_Odor.pdf

 

[RT]

Usually this happens when debris builds up in the evaporator housing which is repeatedly soaked by condensation until mold starts to grow. You may need to crack the evaporator housing, clean it up really good, make sure your drain is open and clean, and then flush it out with a mild bleach solution or coil cleaner. Rinse it well.

 

[08smoker08]

what is the evaporator housing and were is it located. thanks

 

[RT]

Well, I don't have an 08, but it probably is in the same general area. The A/C system compresses freon which flows through the condenser (up front of the radiator) which turns to liquid. It then flows through a metering device (usually and orifice tube on newer vehicles) where it sprays out into a gas right at the evaporator core. The blower pushes air through the evaporator core to cool the truck. It is usually on the passenger side - on the 7.3, the access is from the engine compartment - look for where the a/c line goes into a box in that area. You should be able to pull the blower motor out and see inside the compartment.

 

[tvandyck7]

I had the exact same problem.
Easy cure: Get a bottle of Auto Febreeze and generously spray it into each vent while the system is turned off. Repeat when the smell returns (usually in a couple of weeks). After 2 or 3 of times doing this, my smell went away for good... I hope.

 

[wp6529]

Well, I don't have an 08, but it probably is in the same general area. The A/C system compresses freon which flows through the condenser (up front of the radiator) which turns to liquid. It then flows through a metering device (usually and orifice tube on newer vehicles) where it sprays out into a gas right at the evaporator core. The blower pushes air through the evaporator core to cool the truck. It is usually on the passenger side - on the 7.3, the access is from the engine compartment - look for where the a/c line goes into a box in that area. You should be able to pull the blower motor out and see inside the compartment.

No access to any of the HVAC ductwork from the engine compartment with the 6.4, everything is up under the dash and pretty difficult to get to.

 

[RT]

New and improved, huh? Well, it can't be any worse than my 65 Pontiac. The evaporator box is in the front right fender. Have to take the whole quarter panel off to get to it...

 

[08smoker08]

i like the febreeze method. Tearing the dash out is not really an option for me.

Does the dealer have a fix for this. I talked to one and he said something about deodorizing. Anyone had this done?

 

[wp6529]

i like the febreeze method. Tearing the dash out is not really an option for me.

Does the dealer have a fix for this. I talked to one and he said something about deodorizing. Anyone had this done?

You don't need to tear the dash out, just work upside down under it.

The pdf link I posted covers the official A/C odor treatment procedure, which may be what the dealer is calling "deodorizing".