Guest waxbgone Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Lately I have noticed an odor which seems to be coning from the ventilation sysyem of my 90 convertible. It is very sweet-smelling, and smells almost like alcohol burning. It does not smell like an anti-freeze leak from the radiator. I don't see any leaks on the ground, on the engine, or feel any moisture on the carpets. I suspect that the heater core is leaking and the leakage is going out the drain for the A/C core. It is hard to tell if I am losing coolant since I only drive it occasionally, and there does not seem to be much (if any) loss. I hate to tear out the dashboard just to see if the core is leaking. Would a pressure test show up a problem with the core? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Richard D Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 I would bypass the heater core for a few days and see if the odor goes away. Mine did the same thing about 2.5 years ago, it was the core. Mechanic needed 7 hours to replace it.$$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 It does sound like a bad heater core. If you want to tackle the job it doesn't sound like it would be too bad. Instructions are here:Heater Core Replacement Instructions - Reatta Owners JournalThe ACDelco brand heater core is available in The Reatta Store in the Heat & Air Conditioning category. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 WOW, 1-1/2 hours compared to the shop charging for 7, sounds like what we have learned to expect from our local shop.Not even close to being fair,Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Richard D Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 (edited) I have stopped going to that mechanic after he wanted 8 hours to R&R my A/C compressor. Found out about a three man shop from a friend and they did the entire job, compressor, o-tube and acumulator for 3 hours, $180.00. He also evacuated the system and checked for leaks. I sucked in 7 ounces ester oil and charged with three 12 ounce cans of NOS R-12. Still blows ice cold. Edited August 17, 2012 by Richard D (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RaverReatta Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Well sir, there is a rum cake in your air conditioning system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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