Howdy I am new to a 89 Corvette and the windshield fogs slightly and I smell antifreeze. I assume the heater core is leaking but not being familer with Vettes would like some input. I have a shop manual Haynes but is not really helping diagnosing this. Thanks for any help! Pete
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Pete, the smell, fog, etc are all good indicators of a leaking heater core. You might want to check the carpet under the heater box for dampness. If it is not wet you are lucky. I would change the core ASAP. A good time to change your coolant also. There are threads in the archives dealing with the recommendations for coolant if you want to read them. Just do not run out to your mass merchandiser and buy the cheapest thing that you can buy. One of the recommendations is Zerex G05. I is compatable with any antifreeze on the market.Dick Whittington -
Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Thanks Dick, I also have some small puddling beneath the car but no wet carpet. I used the search feature until my eyes hurt I will go back with different terms. Thanks for the reply I will order one ASAP. Is a Chevy dealer the best bet for the part? Being new to Chevy's I am not up to speed on NOS parts.
Thanks again looks like I'm in with a good crowd!!Pete RothComment
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Pete, usually you can purchase items like a heater core cheaper from an AC Delco jobber. Will be an identical part. I did a little checking and about $67.00 is a decent price. I think that I told you Zerex Z-05, it is G-05. Read the thread that the link below takes you to. If you want more information go to the archives and type in Zerex. You will learn more than you ever wanted to know about coolants. Some very good info
Dick WhittingtonComment
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Speaking of antifreeze, Prestone makes..
one that claims to be compatible with all colors and systems. Anyone know if this stuff is OK to use ?
WayneComment
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Thanks again Dick, Today the starter locked up for a second then she started and blew alot of white smoke for about 7 minutes. My thoughts are the head gasket is blown and filled a cylinder with antifreeze. I was looking for a project Here it is! I wonder if the problem is one the other or both? So the fun begins:)PeteComment
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Pete, unfortunately they could be related. If the coolant was not maintained properly your steam in the exhaust could be a severly corroded intake manifold that has started to leak. I seem to remember that they had a problem with the intake gaskets leaking water also. I have seen several early C-4's with all kinds of problems dealing with coolant corroison inhibitor failure. If you have the necessary tools to do it yourself, I would start by pressurizing the coolant system and see if you do have leaks. You can pull the plugs and sometimes see coolant on a plug if the gasket is leaking. I really suspect that your problem is intake or gasket related. Maybe someone with more experience on these cars will chime in.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Had to change my profile seems I don't follow directions well, but I fixed that! I have read up on the head gasket's. Seems #7 plug fills with water. I think I'll take her to a shop for coolant pressure test and compression test I am not set up for that. All repairs I will effect myself. The heads will have to go out also. Thanks for your help no doubt I'll be in here alot, I have no experience with motors with the distributer in the back:)Comment
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Re: Antifreeze out of defroster
Be SURE to change the oil immediatey if you have a head gasket leaking. Anti freeze and oil are a definite no-no. Quick way to destroy the bearings.Dick WhittingtonComment
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