Heater core replacement

[chris_kucia]

For the last couple of days, I've been getting a whiff of coolant when I first get into the truck in the morning.

 

Yesterday, I also smelled it on the way home.

 

I don't smell anything in the engine compartment and couldn't find any leaks around the water pump.

 

Floor is dry, but I suppose that the hush panel might be catching any leaks.

 

Obviously, I need to do some more diagnosing to positively identify the leak, but right now its pointing towards the heater core.

 

 

Anyone change one of these out? Based on where the lines go through the firewall, it looks like the core is pretty high up in the dash.

[chevroletmb]

yes the entire dash has to come out and the a/c needs to be evacuated

a good 8 hours if memory serves me right

[GMCStepSide]

Not a job for the faint of heart and only for a fella with a broad vocabulary of vulgarities as it's a lengthy, pain in the a$$!

 

I watched as it was done on my last truck...took them all day and I was stuck there without a ride (lived too far away for the courtesy vehicle) and I was glad I didn't try to do it...wow...they earned every penny doing that.

[chris_kucia]

Thanks guys (I think?!).

 

I wanted to take a look at my sticking temp door actuator valve this weekend. I suppose if the core is really leaking, I should be able to tell for sure when I remove the hush panel.

 

Oddly, I didn't smell coolant this morning. Not sure what to make of that.

 

I guess I should have asked this question before, but are the GM coolant supplements required for this engine? I changed out the coolant a few weeks ago, but forgot to check.

 

I have a late 80's Cadillac with aluminum block and the supplements are required. I have had occassional nuisance leaks that the supplements took care of. I wonder if they might take care of a slight leak in the core?