When I turn my heater on after a cold start I get the smell of antifreeze in the cab. Also at times if I let the truck warm for a bit without the heater on, I can see smoke slowly coming out of the air vents.

I'm not sure where to start on this one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

uhhttt ooohhh....... sounds like the dreaded heater core

 

Well that isn't a good sign. That is an entire day's project. Could it be something more simple that I could try first?

 

No. Anything you "try" would be a fruitless effort.

 

Ok then. I guess I need to schedule a heater core replacement in my near future.

Any harm in waiting and still using it?

 

as much as i would like to steer you elsewhere to look.....im pretty confident in saying its the heater core. maybe do a compression test on the system and see if its leaking anywhere else, thats the only other thing i could advise on, as far as still using it.....its like a failing u joint.....may last 5 miles or 500. if its not getting down into the freezing overnight anymore, then you dont have to worry excessive. just be prepared for that one day you come out to your truck and there is a gallon of water on your floor boards....seen that happen

 

Thanks. Was worth a shot anyways. I have the 2900 page service manual so I'm going to try to find in there where it shows how to remove and replace the heater core. I'm hoping to accomplish this in about a day.

 

There is a DIY for the heater core replacement on this forum. Study it carefully and make certain you have EVERYTHING ready. Plan for a weekend since it's your first time. It's a frustrating endeavor.

 

+1 on it being a royal PITA specially if its your first time doing it. and if you dont have the infamous cracked dash problem yet.....you more than likely will by the end of this project

 

I do have the cracked dash problem already. Has been cracked for 5 years now. Just have a dash cover to cover it but it's still annoying. I'll research and find the forum on the heater core.