A proper working rear heater will give off NO smell.

I'd say you either have a small weep in the heater core or at the sealing
ring for the valve.  After you warm up the engine (you want pressure in the
cooling system), grab the hose that goes to the valve and wiggle it a bit.
If you see a drop of coolant where the valve connects to the core then it's
the sealing ring.  It's often referred to as an O-ring ... but it has flat
edges ... much like what you'd see if you sliced off the end of a hose.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'85 GL Westy

> IS it normal for the rear heater blower to stink the van up the first 20
> seconds after its turned on?  Unmistakably hot coolant, and I almost enjoy
> it, but
> my 8 month old owns the back and I dont like the idea of her breathing the
> vapors.    THe smell dissipates quickly and I cant notice any coolant loss
> in
> engine.  Any thoughts?
> Thanks and Happy New Year to all! Oliver