Antifreeze smell

everyonce in awhile i can smell antifreeze when i turn the defrost on. there is no residue on the windshield and the antifreeze tank is full. i have a '97 2.4L. any ideas on what this could be? it looks as though the previous owner had put in bar's leak to try and fix the problem but i dont think it worked.

It sounds like you may have a leak in the heater core that is depositing a small amount of antifreeze in the ductwork. That is why you smell it when you turn on the defroster. The Bars is only a temporary fix and you may need to replace the heater core to totally eliminate the problem.

I agree with GTP Dad, keep your eye on the area under the dash above the front passanger floor. If you develod a major heater core leak it will most likely dump antifreeze on to the passanger floor, try to get a look at that heater core before it goes they make a big mess when they go.

thats what i was thinking so ill keep an eye on it and see what happens.

I HAVE 98 3.8 GTP THE HEATER CORE JUST DUMPED antifreeze on to the passanger floor how hard is it to change it

Your best bet may be to stop at AutoZone or Advanced Auto and grap a Haynes or Chilton manual for about $15.00 to $20.00 for your GTP. You should get some pretty good instructions on changing the heater core. Besides you'll then have a reference book for other repairs. I think everyone should have one, either will manual do they're about equal in information.

I'm sure someone else will be more helpful with some detail instruction. I haven't changed on in so long and that was on a 1977 Old's cutlass that my wife owned before we got married.

Good luck.

I just had my heater core coolant hoses fixed and for a day or 2 I could smell the coolant through my AC system, not anymore though. I had a friend tell me that my heater core might of been leaking into the car but nothing was wet or soggy. lucky me.