Air escaping cabin

[DMC1983]

Seeing how it's not snowing here in Ohio, I decided to get as much out of my D until Frosty makes his appearance. I got an hour drive between my father's place and my own, so during that time, It felt like I was driving a convertible. (good thing I dress like a WWII bomber pilot).

Anyway, I at first thought my problem was coming from the grommet for the speedo cable. So, upon resealing that, I'm still getting rushing air. The weather stripping is >2 years old and are in good condition. Windows seal up fine (although missing some of that felt stripping) and the heater pumps out hot air pretty well.

Most of my cold air is coming in at the waist and down; are there seals in that area I missed?

[Michael]

The air you are feeling is probably coming from the blower and not outside airflow. Check your evaporator box, there is a foam insert that goes into the open area where the pipe enters. It may have come out, or become dislodged(they don't fit very well).

I took mine out completely and cut a piece of closed cell foam in a much thicker shape and worked it in place. if this is the problem, you will notice the air flow is much stronger from your vents after you fix this.


Here it is, part number 15 of this diagram:
http://store.delorean.com/c-361-7-1-0-evaporator.aspx

PS, Park yor car and turn your blower speed on high, then run your hand around the blower box, even with the heat on, it will still be outside air so it will be cold(or ambient temp) and easy to source the area, its hard to see unless you are on your back in the pass. compartment, and even harder to work on, but cheap to fix.

[DMC1983]

Alright. Now, is it possible to take out that lower evaporator box without disturbing anything else and still be able to get to the seal?

[Michael]

Alright. Now, is it possible to take out that lower evaporator box without disturbing anything else and still be able to get to the seal?

You don't have to take anything out, just lie on your back and stand on your head in the passenger floorboard to get to it, that's all :)You may have to pull the side vent pipe to make more room for your elbows, and I think I had to pull back the top of the floor carpet, but I can't remember. The only tools you need is a flashlight that you can sit or clamp in place. If the foam seal is indeed the problem you can fix it in just a few minutes.

[sdg3205]

there's also a rubber boot over the heater core and evaporator pipping. You can access that from the fuel pump access panel. You might find this is missing. It could be letting in a lot of air.

[David T]

Another place to check is under the driver's side dash up in the left corner. There is a large hole with some foam stuffed in it. The foam deteriorates and allows a lot of air in. Make sure the heater valve is not stuck and can open and close. Check if the heater hoses get hot near the back of the front right wheel.
David Teitelbaum

[DMC1983]

After looking into it, I found that the blower itself is allowing a lot of cold air into the cabin. I'm feeling it right around the lip where it bolts down. Looks like I need to stuff some foam between the mating surfaces.

- David, I'll check out that foam up in the driver's footwell and see if I'm getting air entrance. As far as the hoses go; should I still check them even though I'm getting hot air through the vents?

[sdg3205]

After looking into it, I found that the blower itself is allowing a lot of cold air into the cabin. I'm feeling it right around the lip where it bolts down. Looks like I need to stuff some foam between the mating surfaces.

- David, I'll check out that foam up in the driver's footwell and see if I'm getting air entrance. As far as the hoses go; should I still check them even though I'm getting hot air through the vents?

You need some Dum Dum.