[HASSLERFREE]

Read several posts here about this and was able to diagnose (and confirm with a the mechanic) that it is the heater core. This happened after I just replaced the water pump. Driving down the road and the heat gave out, engine temp spiked, then I noticed coolant on the floor board. Also with the heat on I noticed a sweet smell.

I’m assuming it was the new pump that added pressure and or cleared out some clogs that damaged the heater core? anything else I should be concerned about or looking into?

I picked up a new one and am planning to replace it this weekend with a friend who is a mechanic. I have another friend who is buying the vehicle from me next week so she can live in the road as I have this past year. I just want to make sure I’ve checked through all I can before sending her on her way. Any thoughts?

Also I wanted to say thank you all so much. I’m so grateful for folks in this forum who actually know what they’re talking about! This community has always been so responsive, patient and supportive. I bet she’ll be in here posting about Lil Beep Beep at some point

 

[bryancraftyhands]

It could have been the new pump giving it a final push over the edge. Heater cores historically do fall apart on their own however. They aren't pressurized.
Perhaps checking / replacing all coolant related hoses while you are in there.
Has your heater control valve been done recently?

 

[HASSLERFREE]

I haven’t done the valve recently that I can recall…when I got the car the ax wasn’t working and i had to replace the blower motor. I’ll look back at the paperwork to see what else was replaced at that time.

replacing the hoses makes sense, however that wasn’t done with the waterpump unfortunately, so I’d have to get the front taken apart all over again…Iwill replace the hoses around the heater core. Thanks for the read and tips

 

[tinworm]

I would buy the heater control valve now, to have on hand. They are cheap online but wont be in an emergency.

At the age these vans are now the heater control valves are very brittle plastic. Doesn't take much of a touch or change to snap off a hose fitting

 

[AstroWill]

Don't even think about replacing the hoses without replacing the heater control valve. They are cheap and will break if you look at them too hard. Though at this point, if you haven't replaced the radiator yet, I would do that while I have the system drained.