you can:

-replace core and/or bleed screw and o ring.

or

-take heater out and plug hoses

or

- go under van and remove "Tees" that deliver to heater, joining the
main heater hoses together with suitable hose barbed nipples

I doubt "just living with it" is a good option, any leak in cooling
system should be fixed.

Lots of owners seem to hate the rear heater because of leaks. I find
the heater to be useful.

Alistair
'86 syncro 7  passenger
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
http://shufti.wordpress.com

On 23-Apr-10, at 8:54 AM, Jack Reynaert wrote:

I've had a "sweet smell" from my rear heater for years... and likely
it is a
small coolant leak somewhere in the core.

Is it worth fixing? or should I just live with it, as I don't drive
the van
in the winter, and seldom use the heater.

Any "quick or cheap" fixes or suggestion?

Thanks!

Jack R.

84 Westy Wolfie.