2002 f250
I have a f250 disel w/antifreeze smell in cab, changed heater core already see no leak at water pump any help
Is it loosing any coolant? If not, it just may be the residue form the old heater core leak. There is foam insulation and cardboard parts in the heater duct system that can absorb odors.
check the cooling system with a pressure test.
I have a f250 disel w/antifreeze smell in cab, changed heater core already see no leak at water pump any help
If antifreeze leaked in the cab, it takes a lot of cleaning to get rid of it. It does not just evaporate. Try a steam cleaner.
You may have coolant residue still in the heater box,a defective new heater core,or leaking hoses/inlet tubes leading to the core itself.Some of those newer heater cores have swivel inlets that are crimped down,and I have seen those leak.If its a 1987-1996 F250,I believe those have an access panel behind the glovebox to look in and change the core.You might want to take a peek.A leaking core (itself) normally will fog the windshield up when its set on DEFROST.
If the heater core was leaking it is possible the smell is coming from the carpet in the cab. some of the time when heater cores leak they will drip in to the cab and get in to the carpet. you will need to pull the carpet out of the cab and have it cleaned. other wise just wait and it should dry up.
I'd check for loose or leaky heater hoses...make sure everything's tight. Also just to cover bases I'd look for leaky gaskets at the thermostat housing, etc. You'd be surprised what you can smell inside. On a truck that recent I'm surprised that the heater core went bad that soon.
'Antifreeze' smell can be taking you down the wrong path.
If you changed the heater core, this should have stopped antifreeze ingress, BUT the smell doesnt go away immediately.
Other things simulate antifreeze smells...
First, leaking brake fluid from the master cylinder system can sometimes smell like antifreeze. Have you had to add brake fluid to your car..
Second, refrigerant (R134a based) can smell like antifreeze. If you have a refrigerant leak,maybe this is what you are smelling.
Last, a true coolant (antifreeze) leak can still be happening. You need to find out what liquid is ACTUALLY disappearing from your
vehicle
Eliminate brakes, coolant, or AC refrigerant and I think you will be on course.
Have you checked the radiator to see if it's using anti freeze? If so and you see white smoke it's time for head gaskets. If not but you still smell it then you are very close to blowing a hose or heater core out. Might have a small leak in the radiator that's getting blown back into the cab.
I have a 2003 F-150 that you can smell anti-freeze inside and outside. I took it back to the dealer under warranty and they checked it out and couldn't find a leak nowhere. I'm puzzled too.
