I smell antifreeze

[Mr Dark]

I was driving the car on Friday night and decided to use the defroster. When I turned it on, the inside of the windshield fogged up and the car smelled of antifreeze. The temperature gauge read normally and there was no visible loss of fluid. My suspicion is this - About two weeks ago, I had the car in for repair because of a short that caused the dash not to work. They removed several parts of the car while they were working on it (distributor shield, wiper motor, etc). I'm thinking that they somehow damaged the heater core while working on the car. I didn't notice it until now because I didn't use the heater/defroster until now. What do you guys think? Could it be the heater core? Does my theory make sense? Thanks in advance for any ideas you have!!!!!

 

[JonM]

Yes..the sweet smell of anti freeze points in the direction of the heater core. Its a PITA on early C4s to change. If you are a DIY kinda person. I have an artical I can post about changing it.

 

[Mr Dark]

I called the garage that serviced it and told them what was wrong and why I thought they caused it (I was very diplomatic and courteous) and they are going to look at it tomorrow. From what I've heard, you are correct - the heater core is a real PITA to change. So, whether or not they admit responsibility, they will be the ones doing the repair. It just boils down to who's gonna pay for it. I'm hoping it's them, but thinking it'll be me. I just think it's too coincidental that they were working in that area of the car and now it's displaying problems.

 

[JonM]

I doubt if your theory will hold up. The heater core in enclosed in a plastic duct. It would be quite impossible to polk it with a screwdriver just working on or for that matter under the dash. Remember, your car is 17 years old. It is possible perhaps they jarred something enough to break a solder joint, but it would have been on the verge of going out anyway. I suspect its corrosion. The heater core is made in the same way as your radiator...kinda like a mini radiator. Good luck

 

[Mr Dark]

Jon - You might very well be right. It's just so coincidental that this part, located right in the area they've been working in, fails right after they repair something else. I'll probably wind up paying for it, but at least I'll remain hopeful until then.

 

[69MyWay]

I doubt they broke it either.

I had mine rupture in the 90 (different dash) right after changing the engine. What a pain in the rear!

I did it myself for the cost of the part at the local store (like $50 or something) and two or three nights after work fooling around with it.

I posted a thread in the C4 section with photos, but it may no longer have photos attached.

Good luck!

 

[vigman]

The odds are SLIM

That they did anything, the heater core plumbing is on the opposite side of the car ( pass side under hood). The heater cores DO leak after that long... You actually did pretty well at that age/milage.

I normally will NAIL repair places and tear em a new one if I think they didn't do something properly( and can prove it )... however I do not think you have a leg to stand on.

IMHO


Vig!

 

[Mr Dark]

Well, the car is in the shop even as we speak, so I'll know soon enough. Maybe it is just coincidence, but I'd sure be happy if it wasn't! Thanks again for all your input!

 

[JonM]

New heater core being done by a shop...This one has Got to hurt AND leave a mark...WHat do you think the over and under will be? 700-800?

Well, the car is in the shop even as we speak, so I'll know soon enough. Maybe it is just coincidence, but I'd sure be happy if it wasn't! Thanks again for all your input!

 

[vigman]

Hmmmmm

550-700 Wild guess
More labor than parts
6hr job

Vig!

 

[Mr Dark]

They're estimating about $500. I sat down and figured out what my cost per mile has been to own this car for the last year. It works out to a little over $3.00 per mile driven. That's maintenance/repairs/upkeep. I'm gettin' bummed...

 

[c4ever]

Hang in there Mr Dark. The 85's a great car even if I am a little partial. Look at it this way. If you put more miles on the car per year the cost per mile will come way down:eyerole

Best of luck

Carlo

 

[JonM]

Roll your sleeves up and get in there and turn a wrench or two...Its the only way I can keep an 18 year old car on the road.

 

[Mr Dark]

Well, the shop just called. They pressure tested the system and found that the heater shutoff valve is also leaking. They want to replace it while they've got the car apart. Add $200 to the estimate. It may be done tomorrow. I'm almost looking forward to storing it for the winter; I need the break to recharge my finances.

 

[jeepie]

Well I was going to suggest that you have them bypass the heater core (put two heater hoses together) until you store it since you are in MN, but it looks like I am too late. If you did that you could work on it all winter..

 

[Mr Dark]

jeepie - I see you're in Pennsylvania. How are winters there? Do you have to store your car or are you able to drive it year round?

Can anybody tell me exactly what the heater shutoff valve does (besides the obvious "It shuts off the heater)?

Thanks to all for their input!

 

[JonM]

Can anybody tell me exactly what the heater shutoff valve does (besides the obvious "It shuts off the heater)?

Only thing it does is stop the water from entering the heater core. If it leaks some hot water will enter the core and the temp inside your car will increase. Not a good thing if you are trying to cool it down with the AC.

 

[Eagle85C4]

The valve on mine froze up ...I took it apart and gutted it. I have not been able to observe any discernable change in temp. A new valve and associated piping cost 115.00 at the GM dealer...

 

[jeepie]

I have to store mine (actually I just park it in the heated garage), It is usually parked from the end of November to March or April. It does get pretty cold here and we usually get a fair amount of snow.
But, the good part is that when it is parked I get to work on it and not have to worry if I take something apart, it can sit for however long it takes me. So I do a little at a time.