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Leaky heater core diagnosis 200 1993

posted by  scorron on  Wed Mar 27 21:22 CST 2013
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last visit: Tue Oct 7 21:10 CST 2014
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I have often bragged that I have rebuilt almost everything on a 240, that I have delved into the deepest depths of the car and come out alive. The truth is, I have thus far escaped the one job I dread more than any other: replacing a heater core.

In the past few months, I began to notice that it was very difficult to defrost my windshield. I also noticed a very slow drop in the coolant level. It wasn't until a warmer day, upon which I still found little half-circles of vapor on my windshield, that I realized there was trouble.

Having a second 240, I decided to park my beloved black sedan until it was warm enough outside to tear apart the interior. Now, my wagon has a failing and irritating transmission, so I guess I better get one car into good shape.

Before I buy a heater core and disassemble my car until it looks like a Build-Your-Own-Volvo kit, how can I be certain that that is the culprit? Just check the A/C drain and heater valve? Anything else possible?

Thanks,
Sean








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    Leaky heater core diagnosis 200 1993

    posted by  someone claiming to be CB on  Thu Mar 28 12:35 CST 2013 [RELATED]

    When the heat is on full blast.

    Coolant smell in the cabin ...sweet smell

    "smoke" vaporized coolant coming from the vents

    with the defroster on, the inside of the windshield gets a greasy film...if the leak is really bad all it will totally fog up and if you try to wipe is off the fog will just smear, if it's really really bad leak all the windows will fog up and you'll get gassed out of the car by the vaporized coolant.







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    Leaky heater core diagnosis 200 1993

    posted by  mr.zorak on  Thu Mar 28 09:14 CST 2013
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    I had to replace the heater valve on my 240 about 3 years ago. Not a problem job to do, just a tight fit for an old man! HOpe that is all it is for yours.
    --
    93' 240 Classic Wagon 220K & 92' 740 Wagon Regina/Rex 90K








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    Leaky heater core diagnosis 200 1993

    posted by  joekidd on  Thu Mar 28 05:37 CST 2013
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    The odor of coolant is a sure sign and also check the carpeting as coolant does not evaporate readily. Check the heater valve as well for leakage. I seem to recall Art attacked this project by removing the dash and going in from above.Slow coolant leak/bad tranny cooler? Not sure if we are talking auto or manual?








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      Leaky heater core diagnosis 200 1993

      posted by  scorron on  Thu Mar 28 07:35 CST 2013
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      last visit: Tue Oct 7 21:10 CST 2014
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      Automatic, and I assumed my slow coolant leak was from the brand new radiator; I failed to order the plug for the new radiator and used an expansion plug from NAPA instead. It seems to leak a tiny bit.

      I haven't noticed any wet spots on the carpet, but I'll look closely at the heater valve first.

      Thanks,
      Sean







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