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Possible Heater Core Leak


Modus

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98 S70 GLT

Well the Temps are getting chilly here in NY, I thought I'd test out the heat, to my dismay I get a hint smell of ethylene glyco along with hot air out of the front vents.

This might support why I am loosing some coolant after some time. And having to add some to the reservoir.

The question is how harmful is this chemical to be inhaled how long can I stand the smell.

What is the work detail to replace this heater core. Are there any sugestions that you may have for me? Or is it inevitable that I must dismantal my dashboard to take a look at this beast? :blink:

Thanks

Modus.

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Hi Modus,

Try a search on "Heater core" and you will find quite a few posts related to this issue. Here are a few words I've collected over the past few months in anticipation of taking mine apart. Getting cold here in Maine too so, can't have it leaking.

((PRIOR POST QUOTE))

There are two "O" rings at the connection to the heater core. You will see the two aluminum tubes coming from the fire wall to the back of the heater core. You will then see a plack plastic block that clamps around the two tubes. A screw draws the block and tubes tight to the heater core. Once the screw is removed the block and tubes will pull out of the back. You will then see the two "O" rings on the end of the tubes. That might be what is leaking.

My heater core just went in my 95 turbo I couldn't find it any other place but the dealer and it was $330.00 it took me about 45 minutes to RR they have a kit for an extra $10 it comes with new o-rings and clips I suggest getting that also but no matter what I would take the carpet up beacuase you will get coolant on them.

((END PRIOR POST QUOTE))

I believe www.importspecialistsofamerica.com sells a BEHR (OEM?) core for a very good price.

In any event, I would not suggest inhalation of that stuff for too long. Good luck to you.

BB

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Gotta fix it as quick as you can, that stuff is gonna land on every surface in your car. Your windows will be kind of wet on the inside, will have to wash it off. After the fix, I'd clean the whole interior as this stuff is very bad to breeth with

So it is not a good idea to inhale, i have already had the hazy windows.

I don't want to beat this post like a dead horse but does anyone have pictures on what exactally i should be looking at. or can i just pick up a HAYES manual for an 850?

Or maybe i should just go delve into it.

Either way i appretiat the write back guys.

modus

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i would bet money that its a heater core leak. i had the same problem on my S70 10k back. was leaking coolant. if u remove your passenger side carpets and feel if they are wet thats a good start, also look behind them for stains. see if u can adjust your automatic climate control throughout its various settings and see if the problem continues - if it does, its most probably a heater core leak.

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I don't see any puddles or leaks as of yet... just the smell

that break out diagram is interesting however the location of the core is right underneath the driverside dash on the right a little or is it the passenger side?

thanks.

Modus

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I welcome correction, but here is what I think.

If coolant is only under the driver side, there is a good possibility that it is the o-rings that attached the tubes to the core.

If it is on both sides, it is the heater core that is leaky.

I've heard from many (search on "heater core") that it is not that difficult of a job. Be nice to see a write up in Bay 13 to confirm this, but short of that, I would have to agree that it does not seem too bad.

Rich has mentioned that the core comes out the drivers side and 80% of the job involves working on or around the driver side.

BB :D

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The heater core is actually in the center of the dash, just in back of the center console, you do most of the work by taking down the drivers side kick panel, pulling back the carpet, taking out that plastic shield thats there. The lines come in from the drivers side. There are just a few torx screws that hold it in I think they are 20torx. You will want to take down the passenger side as well to get to the torx screws. Everything will come out the drivers side. You have to disconnect the lines at the fire wall on the engine side, take that plate that on there off (2, 15torx), then you can work the lines from the inside.

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