A/C problem with coolant smell

[Masterd]

Im having a problem. Recently, Ive been smelling coolant coming from the vents whenever the AC is on. Also, I can smell a whiff of coolant every once in a while when Im near the front of the truck. The thing is, theres no visible leak, no coolant loss, and no white smoke from the exhaust.

Is there a place that coolant could be leaking that I cant see?

Thanks!

 

[fobrnno]

heater core has a small leak

 

[Tbars4]

^^^^^ x2 and you will probably find moisture on your passenger floorboard carpet...

 

[Masterd]

Floor board looks good. No water or moisture there.

 

[Tbars4]

then you have caught it before it overflows onto the carpet and it really starts stinking like coolant inside...it's a cheap and pretty easy fix as i believe the heater core is like 20 bucks or more....i usually replace the heater hoses at the same time...if any rust got in them they could create blockage and and maybe an overheating problem, reducing the amount of water that is getting cooled... but if yours is fine, it's even cheaper.......

 

[shamaal]

Easily one of the most satisfying and cheap things to replace and can be done by the common man with common tools.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160622

 

[Masterd]

Thanks. I had heard it was easy, but that thread says it all.

Thanks for all the good info!

-Master

 

[Masterd]

Ok so ive got the new core. Cost 21 dollars at Kragen.

Obviously Ill be doing this on a cold engine, but how much coolant am I going to lose by doing this?

 

[Tbars4]

i would get 1 gallon of coolant and do a 50/50 mix to refill...when you pull the core and unhook the hoses, thats about how much you will loose...be sure to prop the hoses up...