Michael Pardee wrote:
> "gigelus2k3" <popescu.serban@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1184037309.219513.254280@g37g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>I just started noticing a rather minor inconvenience with my '98
>>Civic. Whenever I'm starting the car after previously turning it off
>>with the A/C working, for the first few minutes the ventilated air has
>>a tepid smell, regardless of whether the A/C works or not. The smell
>>is hard to describe, it hints an old, rotten, steaming rag. This did
>>not happen before or with my other, newer Civic.
>>
>>If previously the car was turned off without having the A/C operating,
>>no smell comes out when I turned it back on.
>>
>>What's up with this? Does the A/C need some sort of servicing? Is this
>>the way old A/C goes?
>>
>>Thank you.
>>
>>
>
> The drain may need to be cleaned out. It is nothing more than a plastic tube
> that runs from the drain pan to the underside of the car near the
> passenger's feet. Cleaning is done by running a cleaning rod of some sort up
> the tube or by blowing air through it. If the drain plugs up altogether it
> is common for the drain pan to overflow with condensed water and soak the
> carpet on the passenger side.
>
> This is a very common problem and not often easy to correct. The smell comes
> from mold trying to grow in the evaporator and drain pan. IIRC it was one of
> the regulars here that came up with a vodka procedure (no kidding!) to knock
> down the mold - maybe he will update me. This product has had good reviews,
> too: http://www.carfood.com/bgfridsysdis.html
>
> Mike
>
>
>
Here it is. I had to do a web search myself to find it. ;-)



Non-toxic A/C System Cleaner

Mold, mildew and fungus growth in automotive A/C systems is a
common problem, especially when the air intake control is
regularly set to "recirculate" or "Max A/C". There are commercial
cleaners available that can control the problem, but I have yet to
locate one that isn't both moderately toxic and strong-smelling.
Since I'm somewhat sensitive to noxious odors and to chemicals
like ammonia, I have developed an easy to mix, non-toxic
alternative that, for me at least, works as well as or better than the
commercial products. In the interest of a less-toxic environment
and as a public service, I am posting it.

Materials Needed:

Clean adjustable spray bottle, preferably 24oz or smaller.

Cheap vodka

Apple cider vinegar

It is probably possible to use white wine vinegar, but I haven't
tried it. Feel free to experiment, at your own risk. Mix the two
ingredients in the bottle: three or four parts vodka to one part cider
vinegar.

Application:

With the recirculate control set to "fresh", the ventilation fan on
medium, all windows open ,and the engine and A/C running, spray
generous amounts of the mixture into all of the outside air intakes.
These intakes are usually located at the base of the windshield. If the
system is already seriously moldy, wait a minute, set the air intake
control to "recirculate" or "Max A/C", and spray the mixture into the
air recirculate intake, usually located above the front passenger
footwell, or sometimes behind the glovebox. Let the A/C and fan
run for another minute or two, then switch off first the A/C, then
the engine. The car will smell strongly of vinegar for an hour or
two, but I find this to be both far preferable to the smell of the
commercial cleaners and shorter-lived. Leave the windows open a
little when finished, if possible.
Like commercial cleaners, one application may not be enough,
so I suggest weekly applications until the problem is gone, then
preventative treatment once a month during warm weather.


Precautions:

This formula is non-toxic, but not completely harmless. Use
common sense when applying it. That means not getting the spray
in eyes, nose or open wounds, and not applying it with people or
animals in the vehicle. Depending on the proportions (and again
like some commercial products) the mixture may be flammable, so
don't apply it while smoking or near any combustion source.

As with the commercial cleaners, remove any residue from painted
and/or plastic surfaces after application, as it may harm the finish.

Finally, don't drive the vehicle until the vapor has dissipated; not
only is there a slight potential for intoxication, there is also the
possibility that this cleaner can produce a false positive on a police
breath alcohol analyzer.