Coolent Smell Through Vents..Check Coolent Light

DR.WA///M · 02-24-2005, 07:16 PM

So after I did the radiator flush and changed the water pump and theromstat, my car has been running fine. Recently when I start my car it shoot out coolent from the excess coolent tube by the Shift selector Rod??? When I use my heat my windsheild fogs up temporarly and it smells sweet like coolant, as a result my OBC tells me to check my coolant level? WHAT DO I DO TO FIX IT???

blkongry · 02-25-2005, 08:51 AM

I'm guessing you've sprung a leak in your heater core. If you are shooting out coolant and leaking to the point the OBC sensor is picking it up, it's probably pretty bad. You need to dig into it pretty quickly. Repeated sprays of coolant will leave a goopy mess over a long period of time.

DR.WA///M · 02-25-2005, 09:24 PM

Do you guys have ideas how to narrow it down or what I can do to start fixing this problem ASAP!!!

ps thanks for the post any one else have this issue ...suggestions???

DR.WA///M · 02-27-2005, 08:29 AM

Right now I can't afford to fix my car time wise what would happen if I just kept driving it for a week or so...?? should I just get a rent a car??? time wise anyone know how long it takes to do and how to do it ....>>

crashthecar · 02-28-2005, 12:57 AM

Depends how mecanically literate you are!
I looked into replacing my A/C Evapourator a couple of months ago, it's an 8hr plus jobi'f you've been in behind an E36 dash a couple of times you can do it in 6 i've been told.
the heater core is in the same place as the evapourator, in the heater case behind the center of the dash panel.

If you can get a hold of a cooling system pressure tester this would make isolating the leak a breeze! or top the system right up and get the engine hot, keep a good eye on the level and check over the engine and under the car for any coolant.

If it is coming out the A/C drain pipe then it's your heater core, See if there is a way you can bypass the heater core. where the black rubber hoses join the fire wall remove both of them and join them together. This will take the Leaking Core out of the system and give you some time before you have to find the money and time to replace the Core!

blkongry · 02-28-2005, 08:12 AM

Crashthecar is right. I had my expansion valve on my A/C system replaced a while back and the part was a simple replacement... getting to it wasn't. It's the same for the heater core, and if you can withstand the cold of an Illinios winter for a week or so with no interior heat, then bypass that heater core by joining the hoses that feed it like Crashthecar said. Now there's some good advice from down under.

DR.WA///M · 03-13-2005, 06:48 PM

Someone told me that if I don't repair this problem ASAP I can risk Blowing the HeadGasket is this True!????

DR.WA///M · 07-19-2005, 10:33 AM

hey guys just wanted to update that i fixed the prob... it was indeed the heatercore and i did it about a month ago. it took a total of 2 days because i started in the evening .........if any one has to do this best advice i can give is stay very organized!!!! ill post a link which helped alot

DR.WA///M · 10:39 AM

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic80136.htm

honestly the work was easy you do have to be relatively familiar with tools but all in all time consuming thats all

DR.WA///M · 07-19-2005, 10:37 AM

thanks everyone for your help!!

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Heater core is a pain in the ass, but if you're not getting leaks underneath the car, I would take another look before I tear apart my dash.

For one, I would rebleed the system. It sounds like there might be some air trapped in there that is getting compressed and blowing out your system when you start. Bleed, rebleed, then drive and bleed again. BMW cooling systems can be difficult to get all of the air out of...

-Wayne