01 Solara Defrost intake problem

[billsalina]

Since having my motor rebuilt last year(as part of the engine gel settlement) I've noticed that everytime I turn on the defrost I have external debris being sucked through the system into the interior. I never noticed this happen prior to the repair work. I wonder if during the repair if something was discontected or damaged.
Does anyone have a suggestion that I might try to determine the root of this problem and repair it myself?

[Gadgetjq]

Originally Posted by billsalina

Since having my motor rebuilt last year(as part of the engine gel settlement) I've noticed that everytime I turn on the defrost I have external debris being sucked through the system into the interior.

The engine "gel" settlement is a new one (same as the 'sludge' recall maybe?) on me so can't speak to that but I wonder if your car sat on the dealers lot, under a shedding tree or bush awhile before or after it was worked on?

If so maybe debris fell into the area between the bottom of the windshield and hood where the air intake is located. As soon as you turned on the fan and since there's no cabin air filter on the Gen I Solara that debris could have been drawn into the intake and blown all through the vent system (getting chopped up by the fan as it goes).

You can probably trouble shoot to confirm or eliminate that issue just by opening your hood, look for the intake area and see if you can find any debris. If there 'is' stuff in there removing the cowl and going in with a vacuum cleaner extension will probably get rid of the problem.

Cheers

[billsalina]

Thanks for your response Gadgetjq. I did not know that the Gen I Solara did not have the cabin filter. It just so happens that the day before this occured I did have my car parked under a tree that was responsible for the debris. I did notice that the cowl section that you mentioned is missing the plastic(?) screws that fasten it to the car. I would bet that these were not replaced at the time that it was in the shop.
And yes, you are correct, the engine "gel" and "sludge" settlement are one in the same.
I'll do as you suggest and vacuum it.
Thanks again!