Date:         Wed, 30 Dec 1998 12:47:30 -0600
Reply-To:     V I Urban <VIBU@WEBTV.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         V I Urban <VIBU@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      rear heater smell
Comments: To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII

Hello all,
I'm writing about the rear heater under the rear seat. Whenever it's
turned on it gives off a smell of antifreeze. It still belches out heat
but the smell is very noticeable.

I took off the cover and the front vent cover and removed the screws
holding the heater to the floor. There is coolant on the floor under the
heater. I don't see any obvious leaks. I thought maybe it's leaking out
the core and seeping thru the housing, I haven't popped the housing
apart yet. I don't see any leaks from the two hoses running to the
heater. I did see a little coolant leaking fron the fitting that one of
the hose goes to but that might of been caused by me moving and twisting
the heater in my hands. I tightened the two screws in the fitting to be
sure.

Is there a comon place that leaks develop? Do the heater cores go out
alot? Can the core be repaired? Where can I get a cheap one if I have to
replace it-new or used? Is there an obvious fix that I missed?

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

Later, Bill
'91 Carat
Illinois(usually Kansas)