Triumph1

I have a 2000 Navigator which recently has developed an antifreeze leak and vapors from the antifreeze seem to be coming through the vents and air conditioning. I took it to my local dealer who told me I had a leak in my radiator and quoted $1100 to replace the radiator and hoses. It seems to me though that the leak must be either in the heater core or hoses to the heater in order for vapors to enter the vent system (and it also drips way back by the transmission - a long way from the radiator). Does this reasoning make sense? Also, is it really necessary to remove the entire dash to access the heater core - and is there an easier way to replace a heater hose, if that's all it is? Is there an easy way to differentiate between a leak in the core vs. hose? (I've worked fairly extensively on a couple much older cars - boy were things more accessible back then!!) Any advice / help is appreciated.

 

Roush2960

Sounds like its the heater core leaking. Turn on your heater and if it smells ten time worst that thats it. Common problem for older cars. I am suprised you would have it on a newer vehicle.

Good luck..

./M@

tony martin

I would think if it was the heater core you could spot the leak. In other words you would have a leak in under the dash. Heater core in my 89 chevy s-10 would go out every 100,000 miles. Core itself was cheap $35, getting it installed was expensive about $300.

tony martin

Try and get under and see if you can trace the leak yourself. It only takes a drop of antifreeze to touch something hot and evaporate to smell the inside of the car.