Stinky Bedroom

[Rkh]

Had this thread going a while back but went nowhere...
1998 Winnebago Chieftain 33WB...
This coach utilizes a heater core back under the queen bed to supplement engine heater function. There is a "rear heat" fan switch on the dash which blows air across the core out vents in the bed frame..
After driving for any length of time, the bedroom stinks of old antifreeze, yet I have torn the bed apart and there is no leaking...Also, the fan switch is never on, nor is the chassis heater...It's summer after all...
The smell is bad but goes away quickly after opening windows or running the AC...
Any ideas?

[Wanabee FTer]

If you are smelling coolant burning then there is probably a small leak. Sometimes a small leak can seal itself as the heater core and hose connections heat up. Try using a cooling system pressure tester when the engine/coolant is cold. Pressurize the system then go over it with a fine tooth comb. If there is a leak this should help detect it.

[Rkh]

Makes no sense to me at all...I'm not a mechanic...it's not burned coolant...it's just stinky old coolant...

[Midniteoyl]

If you smell it, its cause its leaking... doesn't have to be 'burning' like dripping on the exhaust, just warm like a weeping radiator.

Have your radiator cap tested..

[Mr_D]

Yep, as others have said, if you smell it you have a leak.

[Grimesy]

If my old memory is functioning ,I had the same system in my '89 and the salesman sugested that I cap it off at the engine as leaks were common in this system. You might consider doing the same as the need for the heater under the bed was something I never needed, although I was much younger in those days. Give Winnebago a call and they can probbly tell you how it is done.

Don, WIT 70041

D