First off, I wanted to say Hi, as this is the polite thing to do, before I start asking questions about these old relics.

I've recently started driving a moderatly cared for '97 850, with just under 197k miles. It's had pretty regular oil changes, fuel filter changed, typical maintenance has been done.

Recently changed the leaking heater core, now when the heat is turned on a strange smell, like melting plastic or wires, emits from the heater vents for a few minutes.. Not sure what that's all about??

Next, like I said it has 197k miles.. How long are these engines good for before serious stuff starts happening?

Next to be done is new brakes all around. It shimmy's a bit when the binders are stepped on.

What preventive maintenance should I do to keep this clear coat flaking beauty on the road?

Thanks for your help in advance...

 

Is the smell sweet at all? It could still be leaking coolant into the cabin a little?

 

Oh, and welcome!!

 

timing belt is critical every 70K. read the new owners thread

 

to check the heater core you can pull back the carpet on the drivers side next the gas pedal and remove the plastic panel. if it looks wet then youre heater core is leaking.
these engine are great and dependable if you do the proper maintenance. ive got a 98 s70 t5 with almost 300k miles on it

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

He said he already replaced the heater core. Some of them have a bad odor after replacement for a few weeks, if you don't clean them prior to install.

I believe the motors will last 500,000 miles before they loose compression below the specs, if oil changes are done regularly. If you use full synthetic, they may last longer than that. 500K is about average. I have know of a few over 500k but not many.

Only use good oil filters, don't play with coolant leaks, and keep your battery connections clean and you should be fine.

 

There are a number of complaints of people who did aftermarket heater cores and then smell that burnt smell. It's been attributed to the black foam insulation on the outside of the core used to seal the core to the case. As it heats up it . . . well stinks.

 

The common recommendation for the 850 is to get the hoses replaced if they don't feel flexible and soft to the squeeze. Also, coolant leaks and transmission should be cared for if you want that thing on the road for more than 350K miles.

 

good information, thanks for the youtube link. I'll start looking into getting these things replace and keep this ol girl on the road