Usually this is an indication that you have a leak... either in the heater core itself, or the hoses connecting to the core. This is also usually accompanied with a greasy film on the inside of the front window (which is coolant).
I suggest this is a repair best done by the pros.
The heater coil probably has a leak causing steam and vaporized antifreeze to be released into the vents. Is it using coolant?
It could be that your head gasket is blown.
Most likely the bad news that you did not want to hear. The heater core is leaking coolant.
The block heater is installed under the exaust manifold. It does not go INTO the coolant. It's a "clamp on" style heater. It heats the coolant by heating the block where there is a coolant passage. To install it, you'll need to remove the head shield from the exaust manifold (3 screws). The heater is secured using 1 bolt.
Works the same as most cars, using hot coolant. One advantage is in cold weather it warms up faster as it stores hot coolant in a insulated reservoir when parked.
A musty smell from your heater is often caused by mold or mildew growth due to moisture buildup. To fix it, you can try cleaning the heater and its filters, ensuring proper ventilation, and using a dehumidifier in the room. If the issue persists, it's best to consult a professional HVAC technician for further inspection and maintenance.
Your Heater Core Sounds Like. heater core Another answer== Water from condensation when using the AC, or coolant from the engine cooling system. Test to tell: if it smells like antifreeze, the heater core is leaking. No smell or just smells wet, it it condensate and a drain line is plugged or blocked causing the water to back up into the passenger compartment.
To install a block heater on a 1993 Ford Explorer, first, locate the engine block's core plug (freeze plug) where the heater will be inserted. Drain some coolant from the radiator, then remove the core plug using a socket and hammer if necessary. Insert the block heater into the hole, ensuring it fits snugly, and then secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, reconnect the hoses, refill the coolant, and plug in the heater to test it.
If your car is using oil as in you have to keep topping it up it is probably oil getting past the rings after car heats and expands. If your car is using coolant, then you may have a small coolant leak at the head gasket, allowing coolant to enter the cylinder and be burned with the gas , resulting in what looks like smoke but does not smell like oil.
Drain coolant, remove anti freeze plug from block (corresponding size to the size of your heater coil plug) and install this plug carefully, using a large nut and a hammer. Refill coolant, let engine idling warm up, check coolant again and the installed heater plug for leaks. Now you can insall the cables, away from any moving or hot parts.
Leaking antifreeze only when using the heat may indicate a problem with the heater core, which is responsible for transferring heat from the engine to the cabin. When the heating system is activated, coolant circulates through the heater core, and if there's a crack or a bad seal, it can leak. In contrast, when using the air conditioning in summer, the heater core is not engaged, so no coolant flows through it, preventing any leaks. Additionally, temperature fluctuations may exacerbate existing weaknesses in the cooling system, leading to leaks only when the heat is in use.
To bypass the heater corer in a Chevy Cavalier, disconnect the heater core hoses at the firewall. using a hose splice available at an auto parts, slide the hoses on the ends of the splice. tighten the hose clamps down. Check the coolant level in case it is low due to losing any during the procedure. Wash the ground thoroughly because any coolant left is toxic to animals.