It's probably been leaking for years already. You just haven't
identified the smell. The also clog both internally and externally. At
least take it out and inspect it carefully. Leakage will be obvious. If
no signs of leakage clean off all the road dirt and dust.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of TC
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 6:46 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front Heater Core in Dash

So I am about to waste a weekend on R&R the dash
to fix the heater blower motor & looks like the heaterCore is right
there
but they pirce out us$250+
what are ppls experience with these front heater core its not leaking
right
now
are they cood for the life of the vehicle or is 20yrs about the end of
life
?