Looks like the antifreeze that I've been smelling is a leaking heater core,. not bad enough to wet the floor but bad enough to smell up the cab when the blower is running.I disconnected the hoses from the core and looped a hose on the engine side for recirculation and no more smell. Does the AC lines have to be disconnected to replace the heater core or can I get by without losing the AC charge? Auto Zone has one for $79, anybody used one of there's?

 

Sorry to say but your going to lose the A/C freon. Both A/C and heater core have to be discconected to remove the unit.

It's a fun project to do... Take your time...

I would ask on of the guru's here about exactly on how to remove the unit. I know the dash has to be completely removed. Ugh!

 

It's not hard, just a PIA to do. I replaced my AC evaporator core and put it all back together in about 6 hours. I done it back in June and didn't hook up the heater core. Now, my blend door sticks inside the box.
Now I need to take it back out and fix the blend door. Take your time, make sure the blend door operates before installation.

Buy a cheap AC line removal kit from O'Reillys for about 10 bucks before you start.

 

Mine started smelling last night, I was on the way home and I started smelling it. Does anyone know what the dealer charge is to do it minus parts? I replaced mine about two years ago, and I replaced the evap core last year.

 

I just got an estimate from Auto air for $490 to replace I think I'll do it myself, core was $79 at Autozone.I guess I'll have to buy a couple of cans of freon also but not a big deal.

 

I think the dealer wanted $800 to replace the evapor. OUCH!!

 

I got the heater core out onlyto find that Auto zone sold me the wrong heater core I will tell you, this is a lot of fun, at one point tonight I was thinking maybe I should have paid the $490 but I'm just to cheap. After a nights rest, I will hopefully have a different outlook tommorrow.

 

What is the differnce in heater cores from Auto Zone 80$ and the dealer, 210$? Doesn't jive too me.

 

dealer charged me $800 too
My evap was what rotted out, I was told that the condensation drain was in a bad place and left water in contact with the core but that it wasn't a warranty issue. Then when I picked it up they had forgotten to hook back up the vacume motor valve so I had A/C but no heat.
I have yet to find a dealer service section that I liked. Every one overcharges and has really **** poor service.