hi there, new guy here, got my 2002 honda accord coupe v6.. couple days ago, in coming home i got an odour of coolant from my vents..its been like that only when i have my blower on, a/c or just heat alone. it comes from all the vents.

if it means anything, i had the thermostat housing gasket changed about a year ago.

i opened my hood when i came home and i got a strong coolant smell. i used a flash light and took a browse. couldnt identify any leaks.. a more thorough check i may find somehing

i even checked my tailpipe for that insense for a possible head gasket issue. ruled that out

my heat gauge is steady on my cp..at below half way

any suggestions.. please help

 

That would be the heater core... no doubt about it.

 

If you smell it under the hood as well it may be the hoses connecting the heater core. As "kasper" said your heater core is definitely the source of the scent. The engine coolant flows through the heater core (tiny radiator) that is mounted right on the passenger compartment side of the firewall. There is a cable operated heater control valve inline with the hose leading to the heater core. See if you can find the hoses connecting the heater core ( they are appox. 2" diameter hoses and lead right into the lower part of the firewall) Try to find any obvious leaks.

Chances are the heater core itself has failed and is leaking, if the core has a bad enough leak it will pour coolant all over your carpet and floor, I had this happen to me. Find those hoses and close the heater core valve and turn the heater control **** to COLD. This will keep the coolant from flowing into the heater core. I ended up connecting my hoses together temporarily until I replaced the core.

To replace the core takes about 6 hours and at a repair shop will cost alot in labor. I replaced mine and it was not all that difficult just very time consuming. The core itself is around $100.

 

You can have two issues in the vent ducts which can cause odors.
Mildew
Heater Core Leak.

I'd suggest looking closely at the fluid level in your coolant system. If you're loosing any and can't find the leak - it's most likely the heater core.
If you're getting condensation on the inside of your windows (and it streaks when you try to clean it), it's most likely the heater core
If you check the carpet at the passanger's feet and you find it wet (but it ain't raining), it's most likely the heater core.

P

 

thanks guys, youve been a great help .. for my wallets sake, lets not hope its the heater core

i was at the local honda dealer where my friend works, explained the problem to him..told him the essence isnt that strong but its there.. i do have a very sharp nose and ears for anything different on my car. Like anyone, i am more likely to hear changes to my car esp when running or smelling abnormally.

he got his mechanic to take a look. he said the smell is very faint.. suggested that sometimes when the salters have passed thru a street, the salt debris gets caught in the cat converter causing an odour similar to the smell of coolant.. confusing yes.. hard to buy that.

anyhow, like P_Adams suggested, i was asked to check the coolant level on a daily basis and that if the windows start fogging , come see them

would you guys know if that would be covered under the honda plus warranty?il look fruther into it

again thanks guys

 

As I mentioned elsewhere, I think not. But I would still suggest a query to Honda for specific answers.

http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Your...verage.htm?L=E

P