Heater core shot???
 

I think my heater core is shot.

I have a loss of coolant, coolant puddles directly below the rear of the inner fender well, the carpet is slightly wet but doesn't smell like antifreeze. I have no anti freeze smell when the heater is on, it doesnt make the windshiel'd all greasy. The air is nice warm and dry.

What do you guys think. I'd like some input before I yank the heater core out. On my vette this is a PITA to do. My truck was originally equipped with A/C but the A/C evaporator box has been replaced by a custom one because A/C was deleted

Marck

id check the hoses and clamps that go to the heater core maybe you have a leak there otherwise youre gonna have to inspect the core itself

I checked those and they're dry, the hoses are new and have 2 stainless clamps each. the hoses are also the correct size (different top and bottom)

This sucks :(

Changing the heater core is not too bad on these trucks. But your carpet should smell like anti-freeze if the core is leaking.

That's just it, it doesn't. It's a little damp but that could be from the humidity outside and the cold weather, just condensing water. I have a brand new carpet installed just a couple of weeks ago so I won't take any chances, don't want to mess up the carpet. Damn :( this sucks

Has it been raining?

As these trucks age the selant where the Cowel box is welded to the fire wall (lift hood and you will see a seam that runs the width of the fire wall) will start leaking where it passes under the underhood blower box that houses the A/C. If it's not coolant then It's probably water got in that box and is draining out.

Take off the Cowel filler pannel Or Hood if it's 80 and older. Pull up the plastic grates at the base of the windsheild and you can get to that seam to clean it and reseal it. I used a think industrial paint last time becuase it would seep into the seam. So far it's working.

If no antifreeze smell, you don't have a heater core leaking. You have a water leak somewhere. If you have air, remove the kick panel and take the air flap out. Where it goes against the kick panel, it has some white sticky crap, like caulking but much more stronger, holding it and keeping it water tight. Mine leaked there if I drove in the rain or washed the truck. I recaulked it with some of the gutter sealant you can buy. No more leaks. Fix it quick though, it don't take long to ruin the floor pans and insulation.

Yeah, but there is coolant on the floor (I tasted it it's sweet) and the radiator level drops, very weird.

Change the heater core anyway. They are very cheap and you can do it in a hour or so. That will eliminate the core and make you feel better.

Sorry, I missed where you said it was antifreeze in the floor. All I seen was it was wet and didn't smell like antifreeze. :banghead:

Change the heater core. If it's not it, but it probably is, at least you will have a new one in there. It needs one anyway. :)

Yep heater core. Saturday afternoon job. If you have air ratchet maybe faster.

http://www.coloradok5.com/heatercore.shtml