Coolant smell when i turn the heat on... Time for a new heater core?

[Five35]

Seems like when i turn the heater on i get a faint smell of coolant in the cabin.. The heat is definitely working but it's not as hot as i'd expect though. I'm not sure how hot it's supposed to be but I figure the smell of coolant has something to do with the issue.. Someone please tell me this is just a heater core issue and not something worse :D

[angrypancake]

ya, coolant smell = suspect heater core.

[Five35]

damnit :(

From what i'm reading thats quite the hefty project.. thank god spring is here, that will wait for next winter!!

[jaz525i]

.. Someone please tell me this is just a heater core issue and not something worse :D

"just a heater core" ??? Guess you dont mind taking apart your puzzle of a dash to replace it ;)

A possible & inexp solution is to just replace the thermostat, and flush it out. I had to do that a few months ago and my heat works fine now and I only get the smell from time to time.

[angrypancake]

damnit :(

From what i'm reading thats quite the hefty project.. thank god spring is here, that will wait for next winter!!


there are a few write ups floating around here, a quick search will get them. PITA, but straight forward... takes between 6-8 hours. make sure to have beer on hand.

[jaz525i]

.. Someone please tell me this is just a heater core issue and not something worse :D

"just a heater core" ??? Guess you dont mind taking apart your puzzle of a dash to replace it ;)

A possible, inexpensive and maybe a temporary solution is to just replace the thermostat, and flush it out. I had to do that a few months ago and my heat works fine now and I only get the smell from time to time. good luck

[BMWDriver]

If you added coolant recently and dropped a bit on the engine, or anywhere, you might get that for a bit. I did. If it doesn't go away after one or two weeks...