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Antifreeze smell in '03 Quad Cab

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Hi guys,



As you may have heard, New Jersey received record high snowfall for this time of year this past weekend. I was going through all of my trucks doing general prep work prior to snow plowing and I noticed that my antifreeze reservoir was approximately one half-inch below the minimum amount, so I added antifreeze to one inch below the max line. Went plowing with the truck for 24 hours straight, and during that time, I noticed two things.



1. The temperature gauge was about 210 degrees (it is usually around 190-200 degrees). The truck presently has 107,300 miles on it with original thermostat. Should I replace it? If so, should I go with a 180 or a 190 degree thermostat?



2. The scent of antifreeze was detected during most the 24 hours of plowing (while I was in the cab).



I just went out and checked the antifreeze in the reservoir and discovered that the antifreeze is one inch below the mimimum allowance. I noticed that the floor carpeting on the passenger side was extremely wet; however, I had no passengers in the past few days. So how did it get wet??? I reached my hand down onto the carpeting and recognized the sweet scent of antifreeze.



Is this the sign of a bad heater core? If so, where should I purchase? Dealer-Cummins or Rock Auto? How difficult is the installation- what does it entail?



Again, I appreciate all of your helpful advice and suggestions.

Frank
 
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If the heater core needs to be replaced, you're talking major surgery. The dash needs to come out. There are a couple good sources for pictures of guys that have done this to fix the broken door problems in the heater box. Do a search on this site and on the internet. I'm still dreading having to do this myself.
 
Yep could be that hose or a heater core! I had my heater core changed at the dealer ship in budd lake, NJ two weeks ago an my truck only has 54,000 on it. Good luck brotha. It is a pain in the but, because like other members have said the dash has to come out to access all that fun stuff.
 
By looking at some of the pictures of all the work that's involved, I made an appointment with a local radiator shop for Monday Jan 3. New core,thermostat and complete radiator flush for $850. 00. I thought that was a fair price! This company has done work for me in the past with very good results, A-Z RADIATOR in Ewing,NJ. Frank
 
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