Antifreeze Smell in Cab when running floor heat.

[Svend]

Just trying to get a feel if anyone has had this happen to them: Temps have been colder than normal here in Western Illinois for the past few weeks. Antifreeze in my truck is mixed at the correct level. Truck sat for a few days and once I went to drive it I got the smell of antifreeze in the cab when running the floor heat. Now this happens only when the floor heat is turned on. If I run the panel vents or defrost you don't get the smell. I checked to see if there was any external leak in the engine compartment but everything appears dry. Antifreeze reservoir doesn't appear to be loosing any fluid. Has anyone had this similar issue? At first I thought it must be the heater core but the panel vents get hot air from the same place. I'd rather rather not spend 8 hours pulling the HVAC distribution unit! Any ideas anyone? Thanks for the info.

 

[Skydiver]

Man that ain't good. Sounds like you caught it early. Too cold to bypass it.

I have put a few tablespoons of black pepper in other cars to stop a heater core leak.

It works !!

 

[fkovalski]

I am experiencing a similar situation, but the AF smell occurs only on defrost. I too have no leak. I pressure tested mine and there is no leak.

I would suggest you pressure test your cooling system. If there is a leak it will show on the pressure gauge. I am dumbfounded as I have no leak.


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[Skydiver]

I would say that if you smell antifreeze in the cab you wuold have to have a leaky heater core. Heat will amplify any smell. Even a few drops a day would leave a scent in the cab, but might not drop a pressure testor.

fvkovalsky, how long did the pressure testor remain on the cooling system?

 

[Svend]

Guys, false alarm! After researching how to tackle removing the HVAC unit I decided to take it to the dealer since it looked like it was a procedure beyond my tool arsenal. So I decided to clean my truck out and in the process found an opened box of Maple flavored cookies that my kids left in the floor board near the heater outlets. They smell just like antifreeze when heated. That was the cheapest fix I've had yet!!!:-laf:-laf:-laf Thanks for the replies!