New Rad, New Heater Core: Coolant Smell Still There with Heat On

[shtbrwn86]

No leaks and coolant level is fine. I think I will try flushing it and see if there is any improvement. I recently replaced the Heater T’s so I’m wondering if some of the crumbled pieces got into the system. I tried to be careful but they just disintegrated in place.

You know I wonder if that's what happened to me? PO replaced the heater Ts and radiator shortly before I bought it with 244k. Radiator leaked and when I was looking into it I noticed some black plastic pieces floating in the radiator. When I bought it the heat was non-existent, but since replacing the radiator and thermostat it's at least now consistently luke warm. My heater core was replaced by the PO at the Lexus dealer, but I bet there is some plastic blockage in there from the heater Ts. Makes sense they would crumble when they replaced them.

 

[3_puppies]

I've disconnected the hoses, fill with CLR or similar and let sit for a while, then flush with water to get all the stuff out.

-13F in Helena this morning, heat/defrost is kinda important

I don't think the a/c needs to be touched, it can be taken out thru the top.

My mistake on the not touching the a/c. for some reason I thought I was in the 60 forum.

 

[saucebox]

My mistake on the not touching the a/c. for some reason I thought I was in the 60 forum.

Showoff!

 

[divejoe]

s

If the heater core is "clogged" I would replace - but, that also means you may have something else going on in your coolant. Is your coolant running low or do you have any other leaks?

Seems like the CLR flush did the trick. Temps are now way hotter which is a relief here in MT (Thanks 3_puppies for the tip). Now to look at why I'm not getting any airflow on the feet...never ending saga!

 

[Eyedaho]

s

Seems like the CLR flush did the trick. Temps are now way hotter which is a relief here in MT (Thanks 3_puppies for the tip). Now to look at why I'm not getting any airflow on the feet...never ending saga!

Check your carpet up under the dash overhang. It's pretty easy for the carpet to get over the heater exit where it blows on your feet.