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Anti-Freeze Odor Mystery

I am smelling the pungent odor of Anti-Freeze in the cabin of my 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

My first thought was the heater core. However, there is no leaking into the footwell on the right-hand side, and no apparent leaking from the heater core whatsoever. The heater works fine; there is no vapor cloud coming out of the defroster vents when "defrost" is selected. The heater fully heats the cabin, even in the recent sub-zero conditions.

As a result of the above, I am not convinced that this odor is from a failed heater core, although a Jeep with nearly 270K on it would be suspect for that.

Any info will be appreciated.

Reply to
randallbrink
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There could be a "pin hole" in the core that allows such a small amount out that it is vaporizing. You still get the smell but no appreciable leakage.

Reply to
billy ray

Yeah, my Suburban played the same trick on me. What finally convinced me, was replacing the heater core and having the smell go away for good.

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

I generally do not recommend them as I had a very bad experience years ago but a small amount of radiator sealer might get you through till spring.

When you get around to the actual replacement I suspect you will find all the metal soft.....eaten away by corrosion from within.

Reply to
billy ray

Yep. Still points to the core. Was dreading the job and hoping to "wish" it away. Interesting thing, though, is I tightened the hoseclamps on the heater core connector from the water pump, and, this monrning, did not get the odor with the heater running.

Reply to
randallbrink

This would not come as a surprise. I can't avoid the fact that this GW has some serious years and miles on it, and the "wet" parts are bound to wear eventually.

Reply to
randallbrink

You have 'fixed' one very common source for that 'smell', hopefully that was all it was.

Mike

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Reply to
Mike Romain

You might want to think about a set of new hoses if it has been a while.

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

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