Antifreeze problem

[proscroby]

I have a 98 GP and lately I have been having an antifreeze odour in the cabin. I checked the engine compartment and under the car but sees no sign of a leak. I looked at the windshield to see if there was the telltale film from a heater problem but ...nothing. The coolant level in the overflow has not dropped and the rad is full.
Am I being paranoid?

[grandprixgtx00]

does it smell kind of like Syrup? first thing that comes to my mind is heater core. you dont ALWAYS get the film on the windshield.

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by proscroby

Am I being paranoid?

Not at all. I agree about you don't always get the film. It only takes a drop of hot antifreeze for you to smell it in the car with the windows up.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by grandprixgtx00

you dont ALWAYS get the film on the windshield.

Thats true but the last heater core that I had go bad did steam up the windshield and was visible under the front carpeting. In most cases you'll have obvious signs of coolant under the driver or passenger side carpeting if the heater core is leaking. Hopefully it is not a heater core because they are a real PITA to replace.

Also, you can get the smell if you have the NA Series II 3800 with the plastic UIM plenum when the plenum or gaskets go bad. But the coolant level should drop accordingly.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Hopefully it is not a heater core because they are a real PITA to replace.

i agree. almost as bad as a shift cable

[Brent S]

I would bet it's the heater core. I have had mine replaced TWICE. First time I had the smell and the windshield would fog up a little; second time I only had the smell; neither time did I see any coolant on the floor OR any signs of significant coolant loss. Luckily, the dealer replaced the heater core the second time under warranty, as it was only 9 months old.
On a side note, the dealer also hosed me on an over-priced LIM gasket....but that's a differenct story.