I had the radiator replaced last summer (hole in the top) of my 92 honda accord. I hadn't noticed anything wrong during car air conditioning season. Once cooler weather & the need for the heater and/or defroster came, I noticed the smell of antifreeze coming from the vents. There would also be a film on my windsheild.

People & research tell me it's the heater core. But when the heater core is bad, isn't there supposed to be a loss of antifreeze? I've checked the level many times, and it is fine. No spray I can see in the engine, nothing on the ground. If anything is leaking, the amount is negligible. Is it possible that only a hose may need to be replaced?

Replacing the heater core is very expensive (according to my mechanic) a couple hundred dollars at the very least. This repair would have to go on my high interest credit card and take awhile to pay. So of course I'm hoping for a hose. But I kind of want to know whether I'm in for a big bill or something manageable. Any feedback?

If there is a film on your windshield, it's most likely the heater core. The reason it's so costly to replace is because the brilliant minds in the engineering department decided to bury it behind the glove box, kick panel, etc. The part itself is relatively inexpensive. Sorry for the bad news :(

*sigh*, better to know bad news is coming, than to be blindsided. Between the heater core location and the main relay replacement having to be re-replaced, I'm beginning to reassess my former endorsement of hondas.