Mx5 smoke/fog from air vents

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is 1991 import
    hi i have a problem with a smoke coming from air vents in my 1991 mx5 import
    it comes from all 4 vents and can fog up the windscreen
    just started too happen and think it smells of coolant
    any one experienced this problem or have any ideas?
    your help would be appreciated
2

Heater Rad leaking

3

thanks for your reply so how would this be fixed?

4

Isn’t it like a little radiator. Dashboard out fix, but there might be some shortcuts. For now, you could bypass the heater entirely.

5

ok thanks how do i bypass the heater? it sound perfect to just do this for now

6

Disconnect the heater hoses going into the firewall in the engine bay, and connect together with a bit of pipe. Note this is a bodge, not for longterm.

image

Shove some Stopleak into the system. I know people say this is wicked stuff that should not be let loose on a car, but it got me out of a roadside pickle 10 years ago, and 1 years on the car is fine, and now on waterless coolant.

7

THIS should help if you are going to tackle it.

New matrix is eye watering at MX5 Parts £300 plus I would be looking to find a guaranteed used one

8

I’m not sure of the construction of the mx5 heater matrix, but a radiator specialist may be able to refurbish your old one at far less cost than buying a new one, and with none of the risks of buying one second hand.

9

ok thanks you all for your help and advise its much appreciated and i will take it all onboard thanks again guys

10

See

And

And, apparently NB heater cores will fit a NA, and it might easier to fit a NB matrix, without taking the dash out.

Pattern heater cores are available, in the US at least, from Pro Source Heater Cores. Rock Auto list, though currently out of stock

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11977725&cc=1190876&jsn=822

However, they have the NB version is stock; £27 plus vat and post. But not including those hard pipes. I’ve ordered parts from RockAuto before; shipping price is ok, and quick.

OK price pattern NA (Mk1) core here:

But sold out!

And

So you have various alternatives, without being ruined by the MX5parts price.