Expert: Van - 9/21/2005

Question
I was told that the heater coil may be out because there is a oily type substance on the passenger floorboard.  My question(s), 1.  Does that sound like the problem 2. How much should we expect to pay to have it repaired at a shop 3. Is it something that we could do on our own if we got the parts and good directions. 4.  What are the dangers of driving the vehicle if the coil is bad.  Thanks


Answer
Hello Amy,
The heater core is filled with the same stuff that is in the radiator. Compare them, and see if it is coolant.
Any chance it is COKE?  Pepsi maybe?

If there is coolant there, then is the cooling system low?

The heater core probably costs about $45.00.

It is something that someone with a reasonable amount of skill and patience can do in the driveway. Looking at a manual would be a good idea, and you can look at them in the public library, refference section.

Since the heater core uses the engine coolant, the main danger of operating with it leaking is the engine running low on coolant, and overheating or ruining it.
That can be avoided by removing the heater from the system, by routing the heater hoses under the hood. Then it could run indeffanitely, but there would be no heater.

Van