Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with a 5 speed manual (non-turbo) with 330,000 miles on the odometer. Recently, I have noticed when I first start the car, especially if I have the defrost or heater on, I will smell a strong scent of coolant. I've noticed this experience on and off with this car over the years, but it seems particularly strong now. I've checked and the heater core and it is not leaking (the floor rug on the driver's side is bone dry). I have not noticed any leaks of coolant coming from the engine. After a little driving, the smell seems to dissipate.

I mentioned this to my independent Volvo mechanic, and he told me this was a design flaw with the heater core used by Volvo. The heater core doesn't leak, but it does "sweat" coolant which you smell when you initially start the car. This opinion was also shared with me by a sales representative with iPd. I have replaced the heater core on this car a couple of times over the years (when I detected coolant collecting in the rug on the driver's side). I have an identical 1996 850 GLT wagon, also a 5 speed manual, with 264,000 miles and I don't get the smell of coolant at all - though maybe sometime in the past I did experience it, and have just forgotten.

My questions are:

1) Is the smell of coolant a design defect sometimes experienced with the Volvo heater core?

2) If it isn't, any idea what is cause this smell and its source? As I said, after I drive the car a while the odor of coolant seems to drop off.

Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh