Heater Smell

[charliebush71]

New to this thread so thanks to everyone who helps out.

I have a 2010 Expedition EL and when I turn on the heater I get the smell of burning plastic. When I turn off the heater the smell dissipates. I disconnected the heater fan to try and track down where it was coming from and the smoke and smell seem to be coming from under the hood near the radiator. When I turn the heater on it clearly puts a drag on the motor. Anyone have any idea of issue?

 

[stamp11127]

Welcome to the site.

A little more investigating will allow you to locate the source of the smoke. Just about everything is near the radiator so a little more looking will help.

 

[charliebush71]

Well looks like the AC pulley bearings are bad, had the heater running and looking under hood and the pulley started glowing red and screaming.

Not exactly sure why the AC pulley clutch would engage for the heater. When I turn off the heater no issues (for now).

 

[stamp11127]

A/C will run when the system is set for defrost. Most of the time it is better to swap out the compressor/clutch assembly with a new one.

 

[charliebush71]

thanks for the help, looks like I'm going without heat for a bit.

 

[stamp11127]

If the pulley is locked up it will break the serp belt. If the a/c compressor is locked up you can go without the a/c for a while.