strange odor

[Guest waxbgone]

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?

[Guest Richard D]

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.$$$

[Ronnie]

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 Journal

The ACDelco brand heater core is available in The Reatta Store in the Heat & Air Conditioning category.

[smithbrother]

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

[Guest Richard D]

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)

[Guest RaverReatta]

Well sir, there is a rum cake in your air conditioning system.