Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater

Jereandjess

12-13-2006, 08:23 PM

2002 Windstar 3.8 engine

As we were driving the van home today we picked up a faint smell of anti-freeze coming from the heater.

I stopped, and looked under the car and under the hood, but didn't see anything at all out of the ordinary.

Any ideas what I should look at?

Perhaps I should also mention that we have noticed a little harder to start than usual. Just takes an extra crank or 2. I think new plugs need to be put in, it's on my list, but would that have anything to do with this? Not sure......

Thanks for any suggestions!

~Jeremy

phil-l

12-14-2006, 09:43 AM

Antifreeze smell from your heater is a classic sign of a leaking heater core (the heater core is essentially a little radiator that uses warm engine coolant to create warm air in the vehicle's cabin).

Heater core leaks often start very small, and might not be visible until the heater is disassembled.

This is likely unrelated to hard starting. Are other basic tune-up items for the van (spark plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, etc.) up to date?

12Ounce

12-14-2006, 09:58 AM

Another item to check is the hoses that attach to the core. These are under hood and it's best to have the cowling removed for a good inspection. A loose hose fitting can cause a leak that will migrate thru the firewall following the heat core tubes.

If it turns out that you have to remove the heater core, remove the core cover and core together ... if you separate them, the job is much more difficult.

Jereandjess

12-15-2006, 04:52 PM

Great advice. Thank you both.

I now have a weekend project!

I was searching for the heater core, if I do indeed have to buy a new one, and found this site:

http://www.car-stuff.com/mmparts/ford-windstar/heater_core.html

http://www.car-stuff.com/images/domestic/thumbs/4-seasons/4seasons-heatercore.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:popImage('http://www.car-stuff.com/images/domestic/images/4-seasons/4seasons-heatercore.jpg','Heater Core'))

#FS94781Heater Core4-Seasons $58.95

Fit Note: With Air Conditioning, Front Unit

Fits App: 2002 – 2002 Ford Windstar

Engine – Chassis:
3.8L, V6, GAS, FI, VIN "4" — Windstar

Description: 4 SEASONS HEATER CORE -- OE Stock Replacement Heater Core, Quality Craftsmanship And Durablity, Perfect Fit

That looks like it huh? Does anyone have any experience with this site?

Scrapper

12-15-2006, 05:08 PM

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