Possible Heater Core Leak

[smith365]

Well, I may have a heater core leak. After the car sits over night, I sometimes smell the odor of coolant after the car is started. This only happens overnight. It will eventually go away as I drive. I also notice that my windshield is fogging up on the inside. The fogging only occurs with the fans blowing. If I only have on front windshield vent open, the fog clears up.

I do not see any leaks under the hood from what I can tell.

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[bisquick]

It’s fairly common for the coolant expansion take to leak on Type R and Type S. Your post history suggests you have an A-Spec, but I’m unsure if these models are prone to the same issues. It may be worth giving it a thorough inspection.

 

[jayy_swish]

Different coolant system set up as well as reservoir, no reservoir issues on the non-S cars.. Honestly the integra has a cheaper reservoir than I had on my 10th gen civic, one of my biggest complaints with the car in terms of longevity, especially with turbo heat under the hood. This reservoir has no chance long term without cracking.

 

[Fred 930]

Not an owner yet, so this is just a general comment. But if you really do have a heater core leak, I'd recommend an immediate Dealer appointment (assuming the car is still in warranty). On many cars, replacing a heater core or evaporator can be a nasty big job requiring removal of a significant amount of the interior / dash area.

 

[smith365]

Not an owner yet, so this is just a general comment. But if you really do have a heater core leak, I'd recommend an immediate Dealer appointment (assuming the car is still in warranty). On many cars, replacing a heater

 

[smith365]

Yes, I have one next week with the dealer. This is the type of issue that I hate. It doesn't smell like coolant all of the time.
On some mornings at a 1st start, I smell it right away after starting the car. Before the engine has warmed up.
I have also noticed a film appearing on all of interior windows. Will send updates when I have some…

 

[smith365]

Well, I brought it in and they did a complete check. They did find any leaks nor the smell. They now want to have the car overnight. However, I have not smelt coolant for days now and I figure it’d be a waste of time so I’m going to cancel. These type of issues are really a pain in ass.. if I smell it again I’ll have to see if I can bring it in

 

[Integra23]

Your coolant tank isn't leaking is it? I wonder if you could sometimes smell it in the car.

 

[jayy_swish]

you can buy yourself a coolant pressure tester. Pressurize the system and leave it over night. It’s a closed system so it should not lose pressure. If it does then you know you have a leak

 

[smith365]

Well fingers crossed, I have not smelled anything for days now. I saw on our Sister Civic site that someone had the same issue early on and it also just went away.

 

[Scotian]

Probably not the issue, but rule out that it isn't your windshield fluid. My Honda dealer once filled my washer fluid and whatever they used smelled like 100% antifreeze. Took me a couple of days to make the connection between using the sprayer and the strong coolant smell. I even took it to the dealer during that time to check for issues but of course they found nothing.

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