Heater Core Replacement

[eric wiens]

I get a funny smell when the heat is on. A BMW technition said my heater core was leaking. Can I fix the leak or do I need to get a new heater core?

[LOS]

You need a new heater core...

LOS

[RIBEMR26]

Doesn't a clogged/dirty microfilter also make your heat smell bad??? I just changed mine and it smells so clean...

[LOS]

If the floor/carpet is wet, most likely is your heater core... If a smell issue, replace the filter as mentioned by RIBEM...

LOS

[DesmoBob]

well you CAN attempt to fix the leak with alumaloy™, assuming you have the patience to remove the heater core. that of course depends on where the leak is. removing the core is a major PITA.

btw, somebody mentioned wet carpet/floor. that doesn't necessarily mean a leaky heater core. if the wet floor has the distinct coolant odor, that is from the core. otherwise, the most common cause of a wet carpet is a clogged evaporator housing drain or a leaky evaporator housing. note that this can also lead to a foul smell if water accumulates due to a clogged drain.

[BLACKBMW]

Originally posted by RIBEMR26@Oct 13 2004, 04:23 PM
Doesn't a clogged/dirty microfilter also make your heat smell bad??? I just changed mine and it smells so clean...

[snapback]210673[/snapback]

Any chance of a quick DIY on how to change this - I have no idea and my heater is starting to smell funky

that would be so helpful

tx

J...

[acruzat]

You better start thinking of replacing it soon. I had the same problem for about six months, until finally one morning smoke started coming out of the vents. It scared me at first, but then I realized that it clearly smelled like radiator fluid so I drove it to my mechanic. Normally I would try to do it myself on a weekend, but sometimes there is no time and I needed the car back quick. The heater core was about $250, but labor was twice that. The heater core is somewhere behind the dash and it takes time and patience to do it. The evaporator is even more difficult to get to as I understand it.

[RIBEMR26]

Any chance of a quick DIY on how to change this - I have no idea and my heater is starting to smell funky

that would be so helpful

http://www.logun.org/microfilter.htm

Dude...be PATIENT...it is a super tight space and it's not difficult as far as taking apart half the car...but it tends to not want to fit...the old one you can break apart pulling it out...the new one you have to be a little more gentle with...

[RIBEMR26]

Sorry-

I used this one:

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/...icrofilter.htm

which DOES NOT require removing the glove box...cause, well, who the hell wants to do that if you dont have to...although I imagine the actual task of changing the filter might be a little easier with the glovebox removal but I dont know for sure...

[BLACKBMW]

thanks dude