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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Hi Everyone,
I have a situation where when i turn on the heater i smell coolant. What does this indicate?
Is there an easy fix?
When i dont turn on the heater i dont smell any coolant. I dont have any wet spots on the carpet either. I dont seem to be losing any. I dont see any leaks on the ground. I looked in the engine area and dont see any dried coolant or even coolant wet spots. I cant figure out what is happening?

Andrew
1999 S70 GLT 135,000 miles








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

You can check the core by dropping down the kick plate under the steering wheel - watch out for the wire to the light bulb which will need disconnecting. Then remove the kick plates nest to the gas pedal to expose the core. You can stil drive the car this way.

When the core leaks enough antifreeze to get the carpet wet you wil have other problems. It only takes and hour or two of DIY time to replace the core and the O rings.

In order to drop down the passenger side kick plate, the glove box must first come out to expose the torx screws for the top of the underdash kick plate.

Klaus
--
There is no present time, just the past and future








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Bad heater core. Doesn't take much of a leak to smell. Very common failure.
Easy to replace, but don't be tempted to get a cheap part. Use Behr brand, that's what the factory used.

MVS has a good write-up on replacing it.








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Thank you all for the good comments.

Looks like i have some work to do.

What is MVS? Volvospeed?

Anyone have any preference where to buy the heater core?
Also i have a rear speak that is bad, anyone have any preferences as to where to buy a used one?

Andrew
1999 S70 GLT 135,000 miles








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

MVS: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/index.php

Volvospeed: http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_tos

When talking to a reputable junk yard, like Erie Vovo, let them know exactly which speaker you want to replace. They are right/left different.

Klaus
--
There is no present time, just the past and future








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Hi Klaus,
Since i have to pull the carpet back do you have any tips on how to remove clips or safely pull back carpet and put it back so it looks professional? Never pulled back carpet but i dont want this to look like a hack job.

Andrew
1999 S70 GLT 135,000 miles








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Unless you got coolant all over the carpet, it stays in place.

Use a plastic garbage bag to place under the core to catch any antifreeze that might dribble out of the heater core or the two pipes. Make sure you clamped off the heater hoses in the engine compartment just before the firewall, or drain a lot of antifreeze first.

Klaus
--
There is no present time, just the past and future








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Hi Klaus,
Thank you!
Andrew
1999 S70 GLT 135,000 miles








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

for speaker, or any other part that is worth using a used part, try Erie Volvo...erievovo.com








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

Oh, ok, many thanks, i will try them!
Andrew
1999 S70 GLT 135,000 miles








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Coolant smell only when heater is used S70

MVS = matthewsvolvosite

I've found it to be a very helpful resource, especially for later models. It's pretty active.
As for where to get a core, there are many retailers. Shop for price, but try to get a Behr.

Can't help you with the speaker.







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