Heater Core? or something else?

[stirewaltjm]

I've got a 1997 4runner, 3.4, 5speed. Last year, and now this year I have had trouble with the windshield (and sometimes after extended use, all of the other windows fogging up). The A/C works, and when I turn the defroster on cold it works fine. Whenever I use the defroster on Heat, the air smells like coolant, and after I use it for awhile, it fogs up the window. I'm thinking that there must be a pinhole in the heater core somewhere that's allowing the defroster to fog up the windshield due to the moisture from the leak. I have checked the carpet and surrounding area time and time again for moisture, but the floorboard is never wet. Also, the coolant level doesn't drop hardly at all after a while. I drove it all last winter and never had to add coolant. That's what makes me think that it must be just a pinhole or something. Lastly, I put some bars leak in it last year and that didn't seem to help.
If anyone has had a similar issue, I would really like some light on the situation before I pull the heater core out. If anyone has any info on the situation I would Greatly appreciate it.
Thanks Guys...

 

[Singtoe]

Heater core is bad. Radiator is probably shot too with all that bars junk floating in it.

Once you replace everything, you will need a good flush to clean all the stuff out.



I See your in NC. I have a heater core that you can have for $25.

Advice is free though.

 

[bstone]

Possible Thermostat & Thermostat housing. I just did a Koyo Rad, Thermostat and Thermostat housing and my heater issue went away. If it smells like coolant, are you leaking any or is it "caking" up on the bottom of your radiator?

my 2 cents