JBVolvo Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 On my 2nd heater core after having leak issues at the connection to the core. I think I finally fixed that problem, as have driven for months without seeing any drips of coolant on the interior. But I continue to smell a strong smell of coolant the second I rotate the temp selector to warm and it opens the heat duct work. I find it hard to believe 3 different new cores all leaked. Where else would it be coming from so it smells? I checked the piping at the firewall and didn't see any signs there (and that's outside the duct anyway). I'm not losing any drastic coolant to my knowledge, but by the smell you'd think there's a puddle in there. I don't want to separate the core from it's prongs because that's what I had such a prob with before. Any way to locate the source? It does blow off the smell in about 10 seconds though when you put the fan on. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyCarIsRed Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 On my 2nd heater core after having leak issues at the connection to the core. I think I finally fixed that problem, as have driven for months without seeing any drips of coolant on the interior. But I continue to smell a strong smell of coolant the second I rotate the temp selector to warm and it opens the heat duct work. I find it hard to believe 3 different new cores all leaked. Where else would it be coming from so it smells? I checked the piping at the firewall and didn't see any signs there (and that's outside the duct anyway). I'm not losing any drastic coolant to my knowledge, but by the smell you'd think there's a puddle in there. I don't want to separate the core from it's prongs because that's what I had such a prob with before. Any way to locate the source? It does blow off the smell in about 10 seconds though when you put the fan on. Any suggestions? Are you sure it's coolant? I've known some heater cores to have an acrid smell, metalic of sorts. Not brand new one's really... Aside from that, if it is coolant, and nothing is leaking, then it must be residual coolant somewhere in the system. You're obviously pretty comfy with dash removal so I'm guessing you've checked the ducts, fan, and cabin filter area? is it coming from everywhere or just one particular vent/side? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagodoosh Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 have you checked the engine bay for coolant? my car smells as soon as the car reaches operating temp. i noticed a pool of coolant on top of the transmission near the turbo. i assume it's the hose that goes to the turbo. as an alternative you can add dye to the coolant, and look for it with a UV lite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the commissar! Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 what does your cabin air filter look like? When I picked up my '01 Viggen last year and was doing stage zero...it had an odd smell at first and when I dug out the filter it looked like it had never ever been changed ? Smell went away on filter replacement... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esundell90 Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 I think I'm having the same problem. I smell coolant, but can't seem to find the leak anywhere?? I'll check the cabin air filter, and possibly change it? Can't hurt I suppose. And check the core too?? I just need to get a garage to do this in, screw doing it out in my driveway in 30 deg. weather!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckzach05 Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 Try checking the coolant hose running to the top of the thermostat housing for leaks. Mine leaked there, dripped down the the hot motor and the smell came in through the vents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esundell90 Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 Try checking the coolant hose running to the top of the thermostat housing for leaks. Mine leaked there, dripped down the the hot motor and the smell came in through the vents. I have, its fine. Tho, I'm thinking about changeling my thermostat soon. Maybe its just me, but I feel the motor runs really hot, even tho the temp gauge is always showing normal readings? It just seems really hot to me, but then again, I am comparing this to my previous cars, which were Honda's, so it could just be the nature of the 2.3l turbo to be normally warmer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washdup Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I recently changed my heater core because it was leaking and I'd get a film of glycol on the windshield from using the defrost. Now it doesn't leak and no more film, but sweet smell of glycol when heat is first turned on, just like o/p. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBVolvo Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I recently changed my heater core because it was leaking and I'd get a film of glycol on the windshield from using the defrost. Now it doesn't leak and no more film, but sweet smell of glycol when heat is first turned on, just like o/p. You and I sound like we have the same situation for sure. I use to get the film on the windshield and side windows before. I wonder if its puddled somewhere in the vents or something? I've never checked my cabin filter - but the smell only comes out when the temp is turned to warm or hot so its only when blowing through that duct work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maiku Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 i have this issue too it seemed to help when I put distilled water in the coolant expansion tank it isn't as noticeable now, and the smell goes away after a few seconds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal3thousand Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Did you do the orings when you did the core? If not, it could be those OR the coupling at the firewall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
855 Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Ive got the same problem as the OP......Once i turn the dials to hot i get an anti freeze smell blowing in the car. I have no leaks at my heater core nor under the hood. Would like to know what is causing this cause i dont appreciate teh smell blowing in my face first thing in the morning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JordanW Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 When any has replaced their heater core have they cleaned the inside of the airbox and sprayed some auto HVAC deodorizer in there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlc Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 have you checked the engine bay for coolant? my car smells as soon as the car reaches operating temp. i noticed a pool of coolant on top of the transmission near the turbo. i assume it's the hose that goes to the turbo. as an alternative you can add dye to the coolant, and look for it with a UV lite. The cooling line to turbo is at the bottom, your leak must be the from the htr hoses. I recently replaced mine - can be DIY with readily available 16mm heater hose. http://volvospeed.co...me-of-the-year/ Back to OP's issue: I replaced my T5M core because it was leaking, new o-ring at core side, but didn't touch the firewall side. Didn't need to spray anything, or replac ethe cabin filter. However, my leak was just starting and so small, it didn't cause pooling of coolant under the carpet on neither side. Since the assumption here is you don't have any leaks anymore, the issue could be that on recirculate, you could be drawing coolant smell from the floor/carpet. Try removing them and wash them out of the car (hopefully, like x70, the carpet on your 850 is not one-piece and fronts can be removed separately after taking off the seats). Clean the foam underneath thoroughly as well. GL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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