Heater Core odor?

torslanda · Post by **torslanda** » 27 Jun 2016, 15:31

Here is a question about cabin odors related to replacement heater cores.

Using threads on this site and youtube videos from RobertDIY and IPD USA, I recently changed out the original, leaking heater core on my new-to-me '97 855 T-5 with 64,500 miles. While I do make an effort to purchase parts from MVS sponsors like IPD, in this case I purchased the Deutsche Parts / Hamburg Technic core available on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Heater-Co ... 0487859752

Since installing the new part (and new O-rings and foam liner that came with it) I've experienced an odor in the cabin that's not unlike a carbon smell / exhaust-leak smell. In my experience to date, the smell occurs whenever I turn on the HVAC for the first time during a journey, continues for a short period of about a minute or so, and then subsides. I don't have my notes in front of me at the moment but I reckon I've driven the car 50–100 miles since the switch.

Have any fellow users here experienced something like this after changing a heater core? I didn't soak / wash the core before installing it so I'm wondering if I have a "funky core" like I've read about here on MVS and, if so, whether or not the smell will ever subside if I don't pull the core and wash it.

While I realize this odor could have other sources, I have a theory the heater core is involved as I never noticed this smell until I changed it, and it began occurring right after the change.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Post by **rguzz** » 27 Jun 2016, 17:48

My Swedish Car Parts heater core still smells after about 8 weeks of use. I don't think there are fumes from the engine compartment, smells oily-metallic like the inside of the core itself. I didn't put in dishwasher before installing. I don't plan on removing it either. So, I was wondering the same thing...seems to be taking a while for the smell to go away. I've driven my car considerably further than you have.

torslanda · Post by **torslanda** » 27 Jun 2016, 21:37

Thanks for the reply, rguzz. "Oily metallic" does not sound unlike what I'm experiencing. Do you have the same experience of the smell subsiding somewhat after the heater has been on for a bit?

I don't have all the spare time in the world, but I'm tempted to pull the core and wash it if that's the only way this has any potential to go away.

RigsPGT · Post by **RigsPGT** » 27 Jun 2016, 22:37

Mine has been on for few months and I still get that oily smell for few seconds while I turn on the heat. I plan on either going OEM or remove it and wash it but here in FL I only need it for a couple of months out of the year so I'm not to concerned at the moment. I wish I would have read about the smell before installing it but who knew!

Post by **rguzz** » 27 Jun 2016, 23:21

Yes, worse when first fired up, AC as well as heat, using AC now of course. I'm just going to ride it out for now. Have a used ! low miles OEM unit if this is still a problem at the end of summer will swap the OEM one in. I mean, what will this do to the dishwasher if it stinks as much as it does now. Don't see that as an option.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 28 Jun 2016, 06:15

It doesn't hurt the dishwasher a bit but if you have a heated dry cycle be sure to turn that off. Most dishwashers have a air heater ring around the bottom that gets much hotter than the typical 250 degree design spec on the core and it can melt the plastic on the tanks.

...Lee

torslanda · Post by **torslanda** » 28 Jun 2016, 13:07

Thanks to everyone who's replied on this thread. I can't believe, after all of the homework I did before doing this work, that I somehow missed the part about how important it is to wash the heater core before installing. At the very least I hope this saves others some grief in the future.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jun 2016, 14:27

Don't forget to read the gloats of those of us who bought the OEM one at twice the price proclaiming...

Long after the price is forgotten, the stench remains....

Post by **precopster** » 28 Jun 2016, 15:44

I got rid of the stench in the 98 V70R by cranking it up to full heat for about 2 hours with A/C off and leaving some windows open. Of course I had the car idling in the driveway and I wasn't in it.

For $5 in fuel it was worth the saving.
Glad I sold the car though as the Swedish Car Parts core ruptured on another car I own (2000 V70) after only 60K kilometres with a crack that leaked about 2 litres of coolant on the passenger footwell.

Replaced it with a genuine Volvo.

Post by **rguzz** » 28 Jun 2016, 16:12

Hmm, a bit discouraging, but I will try the heater on trick as it's the path of least resistance for me. Thanks!