Agree^^^

Easy way to check, start engine, but don't turn on heater. If you don't smell anti-freeze in the cabin after about ten minutes, turn heater motor on...if you smell it then...then it is most likely the heater core.

​​​​​​​ Brian.

 

The heaters in our car have constant flow through the core weather the heater is on or off. This shouldn't make a difference unless you're hinting at smelling it on the air stream as it pumps air past the leaking core

 

Might consider using a system pressure tester and listen for leaks

 

Yes, the heater fan blows the smell to your nostrils. If he runs the rover for ten minutes and doesn't seem to smell anything, inside or out, and then turns on the blower motor and smells anti-freeze...most likely...heater core is leaking.

​​​​​​​ Brian.

 

Thanks for the advices. The weird thing is that the smell goes away. And not because we get used to it. If my wife drives the car, she will get the smell, after 10 minutes I get in with her, there is no more smell.
It could be that the heater core has cooland just seeping through and it accumulates a bit after shutdown and the smell comes shortly after startup and stops as it evaporates...
I will do the pressure test again and try to look. I fear though, when I did the head gaskets it was because it was leaking at the back of the heads around the bellhousing and on the cats and making the smell.
The expansion tank leaks too but according to the LR dealer, that's a problem worldwide with all the new ones they sell. They won't give the money back though. I have picked up an old one from a truck being parted so I will try that one next.

 

Yes, if it is the heater core...it is most likely seeping...and it burns off after getting warm and with air blowing across heater core. If this is an issue with you and your wife...I would sell it to the guy who does research as a biologist on skunks...watched an interesting PBS show about him...he has no sense of smell at all. So, this would be the perfect vehicle for him...lol.

Brian.

 

 

Check your throttle body heater hoses, drivers side. If they leak you can get a bit of pooling when you shut down ,next time you start up it dribbles on the exhaust and you smell anti-freeze for a few minutes just as the engine heats up. You can usually see a bit of anti-freeze on the valve cover.

 

Good call with the TB hoses. I replaced them a couple years ago but who knows
I'll keep you posted!
Cheers
David