That smell...

[84turbojoe]

Whats going on fellas,
I'm starting to get that anti freeze smell through the vents with heat on. Is the heater core gone or on its way out. I've had them totally go and leave a nice pool on the pass. floor which sucks, but just want to know ahead of time. No leaks around any of the coolant lines and consumption is normal, if any. Thanks for the help...
By the way, 1984 1C


Joe

[svono50]

Sounds like your core is on its way out. It probably developed a pinhole leak that is just enough to dampen the core, but not leave a puddle. This is what mine did.

You have two choices, 1) Pull the dash and replace the core and 2) Try a little radiator stop leak in the coolant system. I would try the stop leak first, but just don't go nuts with the stuff since you can clog your heater core if you use too much. If that doesn't work bring out the tools and prepare yourself for a nice project. I replace mine about 6 years ago and was able to leave my A/C intact. Granted it is a bit harder to do and will scrape a couple of knuckles, but it is possible. I was able to complete the repair in about 10 hours. Good luck.

[bigwingsaleen]

ohhh ohhh that smell

Bet on it....heater core. Been there and done that.

Not an easy replacement on an a/c car. I agree with Ted, try the stop leak path first but remember its a temporary fix.

[84turbojoe]

Hey thanks guys. I'm startin to remember my 79' 5.slow had one go also, but I think I pawned off the work. I go with the goop first and see what happens

[madadder]

just make sure its not a loose hose by the firewall. I have had that happen and didnt need to replace the core although it was the same symptoms.

[SVOeric]

I love working on my car, but doing a heater core is something i would definetly pay someone else to do !!!..


altho around here, there is no one I trust to work on it.
So, I end up doing it all myself anyway

My wife had a 96 sable, that needed a ball joint replaced. it was still under warranty, so we took it to the local ford dealership. When we got it back, I looked at it, and the spindal was beat all to hell !!
After I explained there was no way in hell my wife was going to drive a car with the spindal that had been beat on like that, and it was quite obvious that I know more about auto-repair than the guys in the shop, I'm no longer welcome there


The one place in town that I could actually trust to do stuff shutdown about 2 weeks ago So right now, I'm searching...