98 V70XC Heater Core - Whats That Smell?

Discussion in 'Volvo V70' started by Chris Bowne, Jun 26, 2005.

  1. Chris Bowne

    Chris Bowne Guest

    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
     
    Chris Bowne, Jun 26, 2005
    #1
  2. 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.
     
    Judy and Brad, Jun 26, 2005
    #2
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