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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: catlin_cava on April 08, 2009, 01:37:31 pm

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 08, 2009, 01:37:31 pm

I went out with the car today and when the heat is on it smells strong like prestone, yet the level never moves. Maybe i should of stayed home like i was supose too

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: hamradio on April 08, 2009, 02:30:23 pm

Heater core?


My car's heater core leaks enough to put a heavy antifreeze smell in the cabin, but not really effect level heavily.

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 08, 2009, 03:20:33 pm

hmmm, i'll have to look at it once i can crawl around...i drove today and can't walk tonight...

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: jtanguay on April 08, 2009, 04:23:43 pm

Quote from: "catlin_cava"

hmmm, i'll have to look at it once i can crawl around...i drove today and can't walk tonight...

you can't walk tonight because of the fumes?  :shock: do NOT inhale those fumes!!! you can go blind or die!!!

i'm in the process of rebuilding my heater box with new foam and new heater core.  i think i found the secret to doing the heater core without removing the a/c box as well though... there is two little clips in behind and one on top (that i broke anyways)  personally i'd rather just use those tie straps for easy removal, but its all back in anyways.  man what a job!!! the foam crumbles into dust!  i do not envy anyone who has to do this job...

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: arb on April 09, 2009, 05:44:25 am

I see a new heater core in your near future, if you don't drive the car until then... the stuff is toxic to dogs and humans ;-D

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 06:41:10 am

Knee surgery...And the smell is not there if the heat is not on...

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: arb on April 09, 2009, 06:49:43 am

Quote from: "catlin_cava"

Knee surgery...And the smell is not there if the heat is not on...

You likely have the older coolant shut-off valve for your heater core. The leak will be worst, so if you are keeping the car, you should plan on replacing it sooner than later.

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 06:56:07 am

I am going to replace it, I'm getting my old MK3 back and going to use it for parts, I know the heater core in there is fine. I find it funny that its leaking and its a 97

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: arb on April 09, 2009, 07:11:40 am

Quote from: "catlin_cava"

I am going to replace it, I'm getting my old MK3 back and going to use it for parts, I know the heater core in there is fine. I find it funny that its leaking and its a 97

Yeah, that is rather soon. How does the radiator look ? Maybe the coolant wasn't changed when it should have and went Acidic.

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 07:25:07 am

at 367,000km and nothing was touched in the motor... the anti freeze looks clean, and the rad is in good shape. You made me limb outside to check lol :lol:

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: arb on April 09, 2009, 07:38:34 am

Quote from: "catlin_cava"

at 367,000km and nothing was touched in the motor... the anti freeze looks clean, and the rad is in good shape. You made me limb outside to check lol :lol:

Glad you're getting around OK :-) Speedy recovery Man !

At 12 years, I'd flush it when you change your heater core.

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 07:46:41 am

Thanks Man, Just had the surgery monday, I;ve got 2 months off work so i'm going to use the time to get the car in shape. Starting June 1st...1000km a week for 8 weeks...yay :shock:

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: 1slowvw on April 09, 2009, 02:27:44 pm

heater cores are no fun, best of luck, I would really recommend if your going through all the work to replace it that you put a new one in, just so you don't end up having to do the same tedious job in another 6 months.

just my two cents.

1SlowVW

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 02:40:49 pm

How much are heater cores anyways?

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: truckinwagen on April 09, 2009, 02:46:52 pm

autohausaz.com has them for $17
this is for the 97 golf in your sig right?

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 02:51:40 pm

yea, thats not too bad,

Title: Unusual Smell
Post by: catlin_cava on April 09, 2009, 03:50:35 pm

So i was out and once the car is warm the smell is gone?