98 V70XC Heater Core - Whats That Smell?

Just picked up a very nice 98 V70XC with a little over 100K from a local
used Volvo dealer. Great car so far, but one troubling observation - every
time I switch from AC to heat by turning up the climate control thermostat,
I get a brief whiff of that maple syrup sweet ethelyne glycol antifreeze
smell from the vents. Only there for a few seconds, but there every time.
Seems like a little coolant must be puddling up in the air duct in the
heater core from a small leak, and then is dissipated by the air flow. But
no change in coolant expansion tank level over a week and 500 miles, and
many start up cool down cycles.

Besides the possiblity of a weep from the core, anything else to look for
that can cause this? Loose core hose clamps that are accesible? Going to
try to get this resolved under warranty (90 days 5K on entire car, 1 year
12K on power train). How much of a PITA is a heater core change on this
model?

Chris Bowne
Stonington, CT

 

It takes less then a drop to give you the sweet odor you have. My 90 240 has
had that smell for 8 years and it rarely needs a touch up.