Radiator Fluid/Steam Smell From Vents

willfxp · March 16, 2006

Well, I've always had a problem when I turned on my heater, I would smell radiator fluid. From the advice given here, it's probably a leak in the heater core.

But today, I noticed the smell all the time, without the heater on. I can also see some "steam" coming out of the vents. It would even come out of the defroster area even if the controls are set to the normal vents. I could tell because it started fogging up my windshield.

What should I look for? Is this a big problem?

Thanks!

Indy · March 16, 2006

This is a big problem. Sounds like your heater core is shot. Coolant from the engine is leaking into you heating/ventilation system. If the temperature outside goes below freezing your windshield will frost over totally. Also the level of coolant in your radiator will start to drop and eventually overheat the engine. You need to change the heater core right away.

willfxp · March 16, 2006

That's what I thought. Wasn't sure if the heater core is the only place it could leak into. I thought that since the heater was off (and I never touched those controls), air should not have passed through it.

Should I buy a heater core from the dealer or AutoZone? I know some parts should be replaced with OEM stuff, while AZ works for others.

Thanks!

GM-Tech · March 16, 2006

I'd buy the best heater core money can buy. This is not a repair you want to have to do twice.

willfxp · March 16, 2006

I'd buy the best heater core money can buy. This is not a repair you want to have to do twice.

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So this is a really big project? Better left to a dealer and a deep wallet?

gave20 · March 17, 2006

I'd buy the best heater core money can buy. This is not a repair you want to have to do twice.

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So this is a really big project? Better left to a dealer and a deep wallet?

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I did it twice on my 92 s-10 blazer, it's not fun but can be done in the driveway. For me I had to take alot of dash apart to get the core out, that and lay on your side in sort of an "S" shape to work on it.

GM-Tech · March 17, 2006

So this is a really big project? Better left to a dealer and a deep wallet?

It's a job some techs hate to do and they're getting paid to do it. Doing it for free on your own is less fun.

Personally, I'd pay someone else to do it for me, but if money is tight, you may want to tackle it yourself since it's not an inexpensive job.

willfxp · March 17, 2006

Well, money isn't tight. But I like to do as much work myself as possible. I want to learn as much as I can about fixing stuff. I go off roading in this truck and there are no dealerships out in the mountains.

It seems like the biggest issue would be removing the dash. Not looking forward to doing that. And draining out all the coolant. And also discharging the A/C. And steam cleaning the engine bay because it's covered in mud.

But I have to fix that, and I would like to get the hoses replaced (120k miles, might as well right?), replace thermostat for preventative maint, maybe the water pump too (again for preventative maint), and fix the problem where I can't turn off the heat (it'll stay on until I turn off the car and let it sit).

Ok, maybe typing all this out changed my mind. Going to get a quote tomorrow on it heh.

Thanks!