90 525ia Heater Problem

[JOHNHOF]

My son's 1990 525ia runs fine, does not overheat and does not seem to be losing any antifreeze. You can smell antifreeze inside the car when the engine is running and steam rises out of the defrost vents when you first turn the car on and the temp of the air coming out of the vents does not get very warm. Does this sound like a pin hole in the heater core or plumbing? Any suggestions on where to look and how to diagnose this problem will be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

[brosher]

Yep, sounds like your heater core and o-rings need to be replaced. About a 10hr job but not all that difficult. If you do a search there is a good how to posted.

[525ikicker]

heater valve o rings.... how long to replace? not 10 hours right? please jesus tell me it doesnt take that long~! thanks
justin

[JOHNHOF]

Thats the same response I had when I read 10 hours. One of the last places I want to spend 10 hours is under the dash of my son's car. But I'm sure after getting an estimate to have the work done I'll figure it worth doing.
Thanks,
John