Possible Heater Core?

[boug0752]

Hey all,

Back with another question...I believe that I may have a leaky heater core. As of late I am gettin a goofy scent in through the vents of my car. I cannot smell anything from the outside of the vehicle, only the inside. The scent comes and goes at times but seems to get worse with acceleration of up or downgrades on the road. Its kinda a sweet scent which immediately leads me to thinking that it could be the heater core. I also have unknown wet spots in my car randomely on the floor boards making me think that this could be even more of a possiblilty.
Today I just bought some Alumaseal Radiator stop leak to try to get me a quick fix for a couple of days.
Do you guys think that I'm on the right direction or not? If so, how much should a new heater core cost and should I just replace it with a OEM one?
And last, if you think this is the problem, how do I replace the heater core and where is it even?

PS: The vehicle is a 2001 GASE with the 3.4 in it.

Thanks all,
Jon

[Gir-_-]

sweet smell ya say?

It MIGHT be coolant, that sounds like something is leaking... Im not to sure though...

[xeroinfinity]

The core is located in the middle of the dash, toward the bottom of the floor.

Not a fun one to change either.

I would say your heater core is bad.
Probley should do a flush after that cheap sealer was in thier.
They'll run anywhere from $100-180 depending on where and when you buy it.

Well heres the run down.......

1- drain the cooling system, disconnect the battery.

2- disconnect the heater hoses from under the hood.
Plug the end of the heater core pipes(so you dont get spills). If the hoses are stuck try twisting them with pliers, or cut them and replace.

3- Remove the right lower sound insulator panel(below the glove box) and the lower Left kick panel, and the one below the steering column.

4- Remove the console and glove box.

5 - Disconnect the drain tube from the heater core.

6- Remove the floor air duct from below teh heater case.
A - Malibu and Cutlass(only) they need the AC refrigerant dispelled by a dealer or other qualified shop, dont disconnect the ac lines unless this was done!)
B- These models also will need the instrument panel removed from the passenger area.

7- Remove the heater core cover, 9 screws.

8- Remove the heater core clamp screw and clamp, then slide out the heater core.

-- Reinstall in reverse order.
* Make sure all the insulation and sealing materials are put back in place around the heater core.

Good Luck
(may need a chiropractor after this job)