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Stonebrew
New User
Apr 19, 2007, 9:00 PM
Post #1 of 2
(2376 views)
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Heater Core problem?
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Need help in diagnosing a problem with a 87 Buick Park Avenue.
Car overheats and coats the inside windshield with what looks like antifreeze. This happens with or without the a/c or heater on. Sounds to me like the heater core but always thought that anitfreeze only went into the heater core once you fliped controls to heat. But what about the thermostat? could this also cause these symptoms?
Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 20, 2007, 8:59 AM
Post #2 of 2
(2368 views)
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Re: Heater Core problem?
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The car overheating needs to be fixed as you may be getting anti-freeze in vents from that.
Check coolant level at the radiator. It's probably low. If system has a large enough leak the recover tank/reservoir will not fill the system and the leak could and probably is the heater core.
A leaking heater core can mess up your windows on about any setting and you'll know it's coolant as it smells, is a bit sticky, and doesn't clean up easily off the glass and will be back in a hurry again.
You may find coolant drips under dash on passenger's side or even on ground if bad enough. Temp fix or test would be to bypass the heater core which has two different size hoses but can be done with some plumbing parts. Always use care removing heater hoses from the core as just pulling on them or being rough can cause leaks at the spuds. If real stuck use an exacto type knife and peel the hoses off which then of course are junk but will help to not destroy a good heater core.
This is almost certainly a heater core leaking but it would be nice to be sure as they are difficult to replace. Some can be sent out and fixed but I wouldn't try to save a couple bucks that way.
Take care of the overheating! That from whatever cause can cause aweful problems for the engine and you still no doubt have a leak to fix,
T
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