Coolant smell

[Jarrad/vr]

Hi all I have a 1994 vr berlina and when it’s warmed up there is a coolant smell while driving. Could it be because it’s an old car? Temperature is fine too doesn’t get hot or anything like that
Cheers

 

[losh1971]

If it's inside the cab it will be 100% the heater core leaking. Pretty common issue.

 

[Jarrad/vr]

If it's inside the cab it will be 100% the heater core leaking. Pretty common issue.

Ahh okay that’s probably why it makes a gurgling noise while driving.
They easy to replace?

 

[losh1971]

They easy to replace?

Depends on what you call easy? Can it be done at home absolutely yes, just not the regas. Is it a big job yep to do it right, it sure is. Cost me around $400 in parts and about $1000 in labour plus an A/C regas. Do it right and you will love the freezing cold A/C and super hot heater. Do it half arsed and you will have a fairly warm heater but that's about it. Bodgy way is to slash the heater pipes and join them with heater hose and four clamps. I chose the hard way and have no regrets as my A/C evap was blocked and was stopping the A/C from working properly, it was barely cold in summer. Unfortunately no way of cleaning the evap without pulling the dash out.

 

[Jarrad/vr]

Ahh okay that’s probably why it makes a gurgling noise while driving.
They easy to replace?

Damn okay, I woudnt have a clue how to, how much do you reckon my local mechanic would charge? Probably would be easier since I have no one to do it

 

[losh1971]

Labour will be around $1000, regas $130, parts if he cuts you a deal like my bloke did with me $400. If he charges retail parts will be around $600.

 

[Jarrad/vr]

Labour will be around $1000, regas $130, parts if he cuts you a deal like my bloke did with me $400. If he charges retail parts will be around $600.

**** okay, what about if I supply the parts? And just get the labour done? What parts will I need besides a new heater core?

 

[losh1971]

Bodgy way is still around 3hrs work plus a core. My core was $145 IIRC.

 

[Jarrad/vr]

Bodgy way is still around 3hrs work plus a core. My core was $145 IIRC.

So would it be better if I supply the heater core and just pay the labour for them to install it? Because my grandfather is well known to the auto place that I go to so maybe it might be the best option?

 

[losh1971]

**** okay, what about if I supply the parts? And just get the labour done? What parts will I need besides a new heater core?

Evap and TX valve. You could take a chance on the evap but for $150 if he looks after you it's money well spent considering you will be looking at close to $1200 labour including regas.