So Ive been smelling the slight scent of what i believe is coolant in my cabin especially when i have the heater on and today I found this thing leaking(circled in red). Can someone tell me what it is. Im sure its a simple fix. Also this thing(circled in blue) is making a loud hissing noise when plugged. Still noticeable when unplugged. What does it do and where can I get a new one? Do I really need it?

 

Thing in red cloud is heater control valve.

Thing in blue cloud is AIR diverter valve assy. Yes you need it since you're in LA.

You also need a trip to the quarter car wash with acoupla cans of engine degreaser. That thing is just .... nasty. How can you even stand to TOUCH it?

 

Thanks for the info. I have passed this car through smog no problem with the AIR diverter unhooked on the top end ??? It was one of those "dont pass dont pay" smog centers though.

I have a can of the degreaser sitting around which i planned on using however im alittle afraid to put water in my engine bay. any tips? lots of sensors on this LG4

 

Been car-washing em for decades...

Just don't shoot water at the distributor. Under it, next to it, yeah; just not on it.

I guess you just got lucky that time on the smog check. Don't bet on it happening every time.

 

Ill be hitting the car wash sooner than i thought

 

would that be why im smelling coolant even with the windows up through the vents?

 

Look up under the bottom plate on the passengers side where the heater core is. Look for a damp spot on the carpet in that same area. (where the passengers feet would be and farther up.


Heater core leaking is a common problem.

 

Don't power wash your alternator either. Everything else is no problem.

 

Thanks for the tip i was about to just wash everything

 

no wetness... hmm