HK,
Order another heater core.  We enjoyed the sweet maple syrup smell in our 91
for 3.5  years.  Actually thought someone had spilled syrup near the heater.
Over the weekend we went up to the mountains in the snow and as I sat next
to the van enjoying some hot chocolate I noticed coolant in the sliding tray
at the bottom of the side door.  hmmm.  I too evaluated the situation with
the heater hot and running, nary a leak (obviously knew it was leaking but
trying to pinpoint locations).  Quit for the night and had a nice puddle in
the morning.  Pulled the heater core out and sure enough, the bottom 1/4
inch was blue from a longstanding leak which evidently just increased.  I'll
bet yours is similar and the fan evaporates the little coolant which drips
into the core tray.  You never know when it will get worse so better to
replace when you can.  BD has mine on the way.

Regards,
Jim
91 Syncro AW
99 NB TDI
Alamogordo NM

----- Original Message -----
From: Horace K. Sawyer <firestream@MINDSPRING.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2000 7:34 PM
Subject: Re: 91 Westy rear heater core smell - no leak!

> Very strong sickly sweet odor of hot coolant.  I examined the heater box
> unit, and open/close valve with the engine warm and running.  No evidence
> of a leak visible.  I read some posts about the open/close valve being
> prone to leak, but not the sign of the slightest drip.
>
> I did not rip open the heater box to examine the heater core.  Still no
> sign of leaking underneath.  So where is it coming from?  It definitely is
> emanating from the rear heater.  My nose knows. : )
>
> This smell is driving me batty (more so than I already am, so they say).
> Hope this odor is not DANGERous!  We have an 11 month baby girl who loves
> to ride in the "Edelweiss."
>
> Should I go ahead and order another heater core?
>
> Thanks in advance
> HK
>