possible heater core - 1988 300e
 

Hi Everyone,

I'm getting a faint coolant smell from time to time coming
from the right centre vent. The other vents do not have
any coolant odor. I thought that it might be
my heater core, but the windows are not fogging up
at all.

I checked the engine bay to see if I could detect
any leaks or drips but again there did not appear to be
any. The coolant level was low but I topped it up
and has remaind steady for the last 2-3 months.

I've peeled back the the coverings in the footwells
and they are completely dry.

Is this the beginings of a heater core failer?
Or is it something less sinister?

Has anyone had this experience?

Thank you in advance,

bluebenz

The only easy way to find out is to use a bypass hose from the back of the engine over to the heater valve & bypass the heater core(drain & flush) & drive for a while.

OR tear it apart

I went through this with my 300E just as you describe, no coolant loss but anti-freeze smell inside occasionally. It came time that I had to pull the dash and replace the vacuum pods so I replaced the heater core while I was there. Out of curiosity I tried pressurizing the old one to check for leaks and it seemed to be leak free. Go figure.

thank you
 

Thanks Guys.

I appreciate your input. I'm scheduled to do a flush and fill this spring.
Maybe that will yield some answers.

I tried to find some instructions for removing the heater core, but I
was not able to find a link. Is there a link on this site that has
instructions on how to replace the heater core on my car?

bluebenz

Look for A/C evaporator replacement...same basic job..

If you can get the ACC factory manual it has the procedures. You can replace the heater core without removing the heater box from the car, after you remove the dash and the top of the heater box.

Also, you can search this forum and find tons of info on this project.