Losing Antifreeze

ross.anderson · Dec 11, 2008

Hey all,

I'm having to refill the reservoir every couple weeks right now. Nothing is dripping on the ground though. I have noticed an antifreeze smell in the cab, and seems to come and go as I turn the heat on and off.

Seems like it might be the heater core, but I don't have any water on the floorboard on the passenger side, and when I had the system flushed recently it passed the pressure test (I had brought it in thinking the pressure test would reveal where the fluid was going).

Any thoughts?

Based on what I've seen, if the heater core needs to be replaced, I'm probably not the person to do it. Can anyone provide a ballpark on what it would cost to do?

Any other theories on what the problem might be, or how I can confirm my suspicions?

Much Thanks!

TurboBlew · Dec 11, 2008

At least 10hrs according to book.

Rob454 · Dec 15, 2008

do it yourself. I had to do one on my GMC. the book called for 10 hours. I got it done in 5. Saved myself about 740$. the core only cost me about 45$

ColoDak · Dec 15, 2008

if your not comfortable doing it, then pay someone, when mine was done it was a 2 full day project. Dealer had lots and lots of fun, figure parts and labor at the dealer about $900 to $1,000.

ross.anderson · Dec 15, 2008

I think I might give it a try myself. How about the A/C lines though? Any tips/tricks for that (my book said it may require special tools)? Or should I go to a shop before hand and have them drain it, and go get it recharged when I'm done?

Hopefully I can get it through the winter the way it is. Once I can bring my summer car back out that would give me plenty of time to work on it...

96BlkDak · Dec 15, 2008

I changed on once all i had was pretty standard tools hardest part was getting through the dash to the core.

check your carpet see if its damp it might not be the heater core.

Dakudaman · Dec 16, 2008

I just did mine this past week and it took me 3 hrs. 1 hour was trying to get the damn a/c lines to release. Had to keep sanding down my release toot till it finally disengauged the springs.

ross.anderson · Dec 18, 2008

96BlkDak said:
I changed on once all i had was pretty standard tools hardest part was getting through the dash to the core.

check your carpet see if its damp it might not be the heater core.

I've checked that quite a few times, and it never has been. Thats whats bugged me about it. I have read that it doesn't have to be wet for it to be leaking. Before I start tearing everything apart I want to be sure though...

Not sure what else it could be...

plum95 · Dec 18, 2008

does your windshield get a greasy film on it after you've been using defrost thats a pretty good give away you need a heater core (or you smoke).

Losing Antifreeze

ross.anderson

TurboBlew

Rob454

ColoDak

ross.anderson

96BlkDak

Dakudaman

ross.anderson

plum95

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