At 08:03 AM 10/12/2003, you wrote:

> >
> > So I've been getting the sweet antifreeze smell coming from the front of
>my
> > van, especially when I turn on the fans.  From everything I've read in the
> > archives, that indicates that my front heater core is leaking.
>   The foam all needs to be replaced, and it feels
> > somewhat moist, so I'm assuming that my heater core is leaking, although I
> > don't know if there is any way to test it to make sure.

There are only two places it could possibly be leaking, either from the
hose connections or the core. Since the hose connections are outside the
box, it can only be the core if the insides are wet. I wouldn't waste a
second on any further test as this is proof of core leaking.

>  And then lets hope I can get it all
> > back together again!

Considering how much you don't want to do this R&R again anytime soon,
think about putting in a new fan as well while you are there. But maybe
that's what was replaced when the plastic welds on the housing were broken
before. Too bad they didn't replace the core then as a matter of prudence.
At a minimum, look over very closely the fan motor with good light and a
hand glass. You can see the tops of the brushes in their holders. If you
see anything like heat stress or dirty age in there, do replace it as a
rational action. If that's looks good, hook it up and run it off a battery
and listen with a mechanic's stethoscope for anything but smooth from the
bearings. Looks good, feels and sounds smooth, ok, reuse it. Otherwise,
eliminate the risk with a new blower.