Heater core leak?

[Jack O.]

Whenever I use my defroster, it actually fogs the window instead of clearing it except for a very small area right above the vent. I'm wondering if it might be that the core is leaking, but only minutely therefore no coolant is present, that is only 'steam'is escaping. There is no sign of a coolant leak either inside or out. I may be imagining this part but I'm getting a really faint smell of anti-freeze. Has anyone ever experienced a heater core problem such as this?

Thanks in advance.

[Joe L.]

Re: Heater core leak?

Jack------

What you're describing sounds like the beginning of a heater core leak. The "fogged window with defroster" and the faint odor of coolant are just how it begins.

[Gerard F.]

Happened to me on a 67

Jack,

You better check it out and catch it before it leaks on your passenger side carpet. Then you have a real mess.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Jack O.]

Thanks! *NM*

[Chuck L.]

Re: Heater core leak?

This is exctly the scenario I had with the heater core on a 1982, and right after it started fogging inside then the leak under the passenger side carpet started. About the same time it began running down the frame on the outside. Keep all your HVAC controls off while rapidly getting it to the repair location in order to minimize more leaking.

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: Heater core leak?

Jack -

One more thing to check - it happened to me. Check that your heater hose connections are tight on the core. I had one that was tight, but when things got hot, it would allow a little bit of A/F to sneak past and into the heater box. The core was fine, but I had all the symptoms.

Pete