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12-13-2006, 08:23 PM
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#1 | |
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
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Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater
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 |
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12-14-2006, 09:43 AM
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#2 | |
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AF Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Columbia, Maryland
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Re: Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater
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?
__________________
2000 Windstar LX 3.8 1995 Contour GL 2.5 1986 Mustang GT 5.0 --> Sold, but missed on sunny days |
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12-14-2006, 09:58 AM
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#3 | |
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AF Fanatic
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Location: Atlanta, Georgia
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Re: Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater
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. |
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12-15-2006, 04:52 PM
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#4 | |
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AF Newbie
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Re: Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater
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/for...ater_core.html ) #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? |
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12-15-2006, 05:08 PM
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#5 | ||
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AF Premium User
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Re: Anti-Freeze / Coolant smell from heater
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