- Jan 29, 2004
- 13,679
- 10
- 81

Noticed a faint coolant smell the last couple weeks, haven't been able to find leaks or spots or loss of coolant.
Was out late the other night and had the heat on and it was so strong I knew then for sure it has to be the heater core. Strike 1.
When I got back to the car to drive home, there was a steam patch on the inside of the windshield, passenger side. Strike 2.
Got home and finally there was a definite leak I could see on the ground and steam I could hear hissing off the passenger side header. Checked all hoses for absolute confirmation of the source of the problem before I order parts. What you see in the pic is the drain for the AC condensation drip tray. Busted red handed. Strike 3.
Oh well, brand new heater core is $80. Will be a pain in the ass to rip the dash apart but thankfully at least on this car it's high up and the hoses going into the firewall are accessible from the engine bay and don't require dropping transmission, headers, etc.
Last edited: