V70 '98 Heater Core Going?

Post by **E Showell** » 23 Nov 2009, 07:36

I get the faintest "maple syrup" smell for about 30 sec. when I first turn on the heater. No damp carpet in the passenger footwell. Does this mean that the heater core is starting to go and it is just a matter of time?

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 23 Nov 2009, 07:47

That's what it tells me.....Keep an eye on your coolant level and you can stretch it out for a while if you need to. Eventually, you're windows will fog up from the moisture you're leaking and it will be hard to clear them up for the same reason. Also keep checking your carpets in both foot wells - wouldn't advise letting the coolant dampen the carpets for very long.

Not a bad DIY repair though. I replaced it (and the radiator) on my 98 S70 when I bought it a couple of years ago when it was at about 160K. I've recently noticed the early signs of the core going on my 00 V70 with 112K (maple syrup odor when you first turn on the heater

).

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 23 Nov 2009, 08:47

100% a heater core. I would change it now before it goes on you in the dead of winter.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 23 Nov 2009, 12:06

I've been wondering this for a while...when you guys say the windows fog up, do you mean they fog up when you turn the defroster/heat on or do you mean the windows fog up while the car is just sitting there (for example overnight)?

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 23 Nov 2009, 13:32

Usually it's when you turn the heat and/or defroster setting on, especially when you may have previosly been in AC mode. But if the window is already fogged "from natural causes" it will be extremely slow to defog it, if it will at all. In that case, it would help to put the system on AC Max (or all the way to the blue dot if you have EEC) with the air directed to the windshield (of course, something that might become uncomfortable to do in the cold months.

Post by **E Showell** » 23 Nov 2009, 14:28

Funny, I always defog the windows with the AC as I found it works quicker than defrost.

dbo550 · Post by **dbo550** » 23 Nov 2009, 17:29

If you are getting the smell then you should go on and replace now and spare your self the pain of getting your carpets dried out, especially coming up on winter. Even if you do get the carpets dry I can still smell the awful smell every time I get in the car.

will bj robinson · Post by **will bj robinson** » 23 Nov 2009, 23:38

If there is any moisture inside the car(coolant) it will be really hard to clear all the windows when you first start the car. When the car is warm you will need to keep the fan on constantly to keep the windows clear. And lastly when its raining you'll need a window cracked to keep them clear

. My 854 is in need of a core

and as it is already cold (and it was recently discovered) it will be waiting till spring to be repaired by me. If it kicks sooner ill be taking it to the shop as I really hate working on anything in the freezing winter months. it gets as low as -45,-50c here and sometimes that isnt with the windchill.Burrrrrrrrr.even just the thought of it make me want to start a fire.

Post by **E Showell** » 10 Nov 2010, 13:39

Yep -- was in fact the heater core. Not bad though, I managed to milk it for almost a year before replacing. On replacement found obvious evidence of very slight leaking from the bottom of the core where the plastic end tank attaches. The passenger footwell had a couple drops (literally) of coolant under the carpet. No carpet staining or soaking on either side, so I got to it in time. As others have said, not a bad DIY repair, but on the passenger side, you'll need a short reach ratcheting torx bit because the molded shape of the housing doesn't afford enough clearance to get in there with a hex key type set of torx bits.

alausch · Post by **alausch** » 04 Mar 2015, 14:08

This is great info, I'm having the same problem with my 99 V70 with 126K miles. I think it's actually gotten worse over the past month or so. Looks like I'll need to change it soon. Very recently, I can actually see a bit of fog coming out of the vents when I fire up the heater.