1997 Blazer - Coolant Leak?

[buckibooster]

I have a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. Within the last two weeks, I've noticed an occasional odor of coolant in the passenger compartment. When I smell it, my windows fog up as if covered in a light layer of coolant and turning up the defroster does not help. This is only happening intermittently and only when I have the heater or defroster on. Today, I was cleaning our my car and noticed a small puddle of dark colored water on the passenger side floor under the floor mat. It has been suggested that I replace all of my radiator system hoses and fllush the radiator. Will this solve the problem or is it something else? If something else, what is the fix?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by buckibooster

I have a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. Within the last two weeks, I've noticed an occasional odor of coolant in the passenger compartment. When I smell it, my windows fog up as if covered in a light layer of coolant and turning up the defroster does not help. This is only happening intermittently and only when I have the heater or defroster on. Today, I was cleaning our my car and noticed a small puddle of dark colored water on the passenger side floor under the floor mat. It has been suggested that I replace all of my radiator system hoses and fllush the radiator. Will this solve the problem or is it something else? If something else, what is the fix?

Heater core.
And be carefull about smelling the coolant fumes they can be dangerous to your health.
Old green coolant fumes can kill you and do not take any chances with dex-cool.
Keep a window down and well vented untill you get it fixed.
MT

[drdd]

Originally Posted by buckibooster

I have a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. Within the last two weeks, I've noticed an occasional odor of coolant in the passenger compartment. When I smell it, my windows fog up as if covered in a light layer of coolant and turning up the defroster does not help. This is only happening intermittently and only when I have the heater or defroster on. Today, I was cleaning our my car and noticed a small puddle of dark colored water on the passenger side floor under the floor mat. It has been suggested that I replace all of my radiator system hoses and fllush the radiator. Will this solve the problem or is it something else? If something else, what is the fix?

yup, heater core

[buckibooster]

If it is the heater core, what does it typically cost to have it repaired?

[MT-2500]

Put in a new heater core not much repair to them any more.
Flat rate book Labor with air cond can run up to 6-8 hrs plus heater core and coolant and maybe air cond recharge.
MT

[mountie1982]

Just did my heater core in a 97. The job is easy for the most part. The hardest part is the screws on top side of the housing that goes around the core. Its taken me about 12 hours to do it by myself in a driveway. Your gonna need a second person for a few things. If I had a second person I think it would have gone faster by a few hours. You do take a part almost the whole dash. Stereo, heater controls, and all the under dash (not sure what there called) parts. I was quoted over a $1000 by two shops. I am on a tight budget so I just did it myself. My skills are very low and I did fine so I think you could most likey do it your self. Make sure you remember what you take a part. It a real pain going back tring to find were everything went. I wish I did would make it going back together much easier.


Cheers

[chcknugget]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Heater core.
And be carefull about smelling the coolant fumes they can be dangerous to your health.
Old green coolant fumes can kill you and do not take any chances with dex-cool.
Keep a window down and well vented untill you get it fixed.
MT

hahaha, I've seen "butter substitutes" that have ethylene glycol on the ingredients label at the local supermarket! READ the labels on what you buy!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by chcknugget

hahaha, I've seen "butter substitutes" that have ethylene glycol on the ingredients label at the local supermarket! READ the labels on what you buy!

10-4 on reading them labels.
If it says that I would pitch it back on the shelf.
Ever wonder how them black widows do away with there other half?
I do not know what it is in the coolant fumes that does it but it has been known to cause kidney and respiratory problems.
If you have coolant fumes inside vehicle keep it well vented to be on safe side.
MT

[Southern Comfort]

I have the heater core removal information for a 99. I'm not sure if it will help you , but I can email it to you. Let me know if you want it.
[email protected]
SC

[srbianats]

Could uou email it to me? I hope to be doing the heater core replacement this weekend. Many thanks.

[email protected]

[wafrederick]

THe heater core job is horrible.Disconnect the battery first,you do not want the air bag to deploy.I have a tip,use air tools instead of manual ratchets.There are lot of fastners and you will save time using airtools(1/4'' air ratchet,3/8'' air ratchet).a cordless drill is also handy too when when replcing the heater core,another easy way to remove the fastners.The whole dash has to come out.The a/c does not need to be discharged.