possible heater core problem?

BryanF · 01-02-2008, 08:41 PM

often when i start my van for the first time in the morning ('98 GL 3.8L) the air that comes out of the vents smells prettty strong like antifreeze. i don't have any visable leaks, nor is the coolant level dropping at all, but somehow the smell makes it into the air.

should i be looking into a new heater core, or is there something else that may be causing this? how much time should i set aside to replace the heater core if it ends up needing replaced?

any thoughts?

mark v · 01-02-2008, 10:59 PM

Get yourself a tube of Alumaseal, it is a powdery metal flake product. When the van is cold in the morning dump it in the radiator, turn on the heat all the way and immediately go for a nice long drive to bring the van up to normal operating temp. I have used this many times with 100% perfect results. I only recommend this for very tiny leaks and that is what you seem to have.

Gold Eagle - AlumAseal

GraybeardAv · 01-03-2008, 06:18 AM

My radiator guy recommends Aluma-seal, and has had awful messes to clean up from Barr's.

GB

mark v · 01-03-2008, 07:15 AM

Yeah I never liked Barr's leak at all, it gummed up one of my radiators real good. Them pellets are so big.