VT Commodore heater core

[AussieM8]

Hi guys

I have a VT and I believe the heater core is goneski ... mustardy type of smell in the cabin, no A/C (although heating appears OK ??). Is there anything else this could be?

I've read the Commodore forums and if it is the heater core, it seems the VT requires the whole dash to be pulled out and the $$$ can be between $500-$1000 depending on labour.

Anyone have similar problems?

[Godzilla]

2 cases ive had of the same symptons with diffrent cars.

1/ 1978 Corrolla coupe, first a damp passenger side carpet and musty smell followed a few weeks later by a large hiss, a cloud of steam/fog in the cabin.
Heater hose let go.
Symptom to watch for was the water level was dropping slowly first.
Solution was change the damm hose from under the dash.

2/ 1984 Mazda 929, musty smell and water dripping slowly outside the car from a drain under the dash.
Sympton to watch for was water level dropping slowly.
Solution was to tear the dash out and replace the heater core.

So is your water level dropping slowly?

Dont be afraid to pul your dash out, it may seem daunting at first but slow removal of parts and marking their positions will get you there.

Its not a 5 minute job but someone with basic tools and a little patiance (and the ability to lie upside down on your back in some perverted positions) can do it with the help of a service manual to explain where the bolts are and the procedure.

[Sasho]

Yep the old VT heater core is fun to take off and put on the whole dashboard has to come off and the back on. I did it for a mate and it took about the whole day which included a slab of piss as well doing the job.

[godxlr8]

yes this is a pain of a job if it has to be done though you could try some products on the market that takes the smell away by air injecting right into the vents,this may work for you though if the foam in the heater box is saturated with this complete disassemble is the only way