Sounds like a leaking heater core to me.

 

Put on you defroster to see if you get any fogging ( antifreeze ) on your windshield . Also do you have any residual on the windshield . Wipe a small line away so you can see if there is residual outside the line you wipe . Put some white paper towel down on the passenger side floor area to see if it's leaking on the floor
good luck Carmine

 

Put on you defroster to see if you get any fogging ( antifreeze ) on your windshield . Also do you have any residual on the windshield . Wipe a small line away so you can see if there is residual outside the line you wipe . Put some white paper towel down on the passenger side floor area to see if it's leaking on the floor
good luck Carmine

I had the defroster on for 30 minutes this morning. Certainly had the odor come through the vents, but no signs of any fog or mist on the windshield. No puddling in the driveway or inside the car either, but I think the leak might be very small. I'm down some antifreeze but not a lot. This has been going on for 1-2 months, maybe a little more.

I checked into Bars copper and aluminum sealant. I think because as mentioned by a member, most of the system including the heater core is aluminum, I think their aluminum product might be slightly suited better for my application. The copper will also work with aluminum, so either choice might be good. I read the reviews on both and I'm going to purchase a bottle of the aluminum and give it a try. Small investment if it works.Will advise how it works.

Many thanks to all who responded. I always appreciate and am grateful for your time and effort, Carmine.

 

common problem on them--and a total PITA to replace.

 

Isnt that a remove the dash job.

 

Before surgery try Bar's liquid copper sealer.

Robot or human?

 

Before surgery try Bar's liquid copper sealer.

Robot or human?

I would too because that's INTENSIVE surgery.

 

There may be a shortcut to having to pull the dash. Check YouTube university.

 

I've done 2 of these in the past and no shortcuts unfortunately

 

If you are smelling antifreeze inside a new heater core is in your future.

 

It books at 7 hours. I couldn't do it in that time.

 

I can see why. Everything has to come apart. Looks like a 2 day job to me; at least. What a project. Certainly not for me.

I just looked on line at Bars 1109 liquid copper sealer and it got very good reviews. I watched a short video of a guy using it and he poured it into his radiator. He didn't pour it into his reservoir. I don't have any directions to look at presently, but is this how it is used?? My orangey colored antifreeze is a bit low. Do I need to use the same type/color or is good old green Prestone ok??. Thanks, Carmine.

 

Looks like quite an ordeal, wont come cheap either.

 

This reminds me of the time my daughter was driving my beater to work and she called me crying that there is smoke coming out of the defroster vents, this was after trying a stop leak product.
After that ordeal, at age 17 she decided to buy a new car, a Saturn something. It treated her well.

 

Get the leak stopped... and then start looking to trade that truck..

 

I've certainly thought about that. I bought the truck new in 2014 and always have had it serviced at the dealer where purchased from. I've taken good care of this truck. Never been abused. I am disappointed with this issue. I know that things don't last forever, but never expected this. I wouldn't buy another new truck. I'm tired of taking the financial hit as it leaves the lot. I might consider a newer truck with low mileage. I'll wait and see where this stop leak stuff takes me.

Robert Hass, I hope that doesn't happen to me. Presently, it doesn't run hot or overheat. I wouldn't even know there was problem except for the antifreeze smell. Today, I bought some of that Bars aluminum stop leak stuff and plan on using it tomorrow. We shall see, Carmine.

 

If the radiator, or heater core have compromised flow due to sediment, corrosion or other contaminants,...putting any of these "repairs" in to it could compromise flow to the detriment of your summer. You would not be the first person to dump some of this miracle repair in and older vehicle only to have it over heat and blow a head gasket.