possbile overheating problem?

[K30Blazer]

I have a 87 GMC Jimmy fullsize. 350 with 160,000 miles on it. New radiator. Temp gauge is all over the place all the way up to 210, but heater never seems to blow really hot air. Got me thinking that maybe my temp sensor is shot.

Then again I get a real sweet smell when it gets warm. I open the hood and can't trace the smell.

Any ideas?

 

[tucsonkfive]

You might pressure test the cooling system. Any shop should do this for you for free. If you smell coolant it's coming out somewhere. I'd probably change the thermostat just for kicks since temp is up and down may be sticking.

 

[fatbob]

I'm betting it's the heater core leaking.

 

[blazerpro79]

maybe thermostat. i had to change mine yesterday bc of the same reason (stuck open)

 

[nvrenuf]

Then again I get a real sweet smell when it gets warm. I open the hood and can't trace the smell.

Any ideas?

I'm betting it's the heater core leaking.

X2

 

[K30Blazer]

I had my heater core go bad before. What a PITA that was to replace. I will go see if there is coolant in the passenger side. Thermostat might be worth checking and I will look into the pressure test.

Thanks

 

[dyeager535]

Heater hoses hooked up wrong will result in no/very low heat as well. That won't result in leaking coolant though!