My car leaks a lot of antifreeze onto the ground directly below my
firewall. There is no leakage into the interior, but the smell of
antifreeze is strong when i turn on the vents. It sounds like a heater
core to me, except for the fact that it leaks on the outside. Any
suggestions???

pektel wrote:
There is a drain.
Without the drain the car would fill up with water from the evaporator.
It's probable that the heater core is shot.
But it could also be the hose connections just outside and up against
the firewall. Sometimes a hose leak there will force antifreeze past
the foam seal and into the core area.
If it's the core, make sure a copper one is installed.
An aluminum one will rot out again.

pektel wrote:
Both good information. Before changing the heater core though you might try
a fix to be sure it is the core. Remove the heater hoses and check them for
hardness. trim an inch from the end of each and reinstall them with new
clamps. I've seen that fix the issue you describe before. Even if it
doesn't, you'll only be out a little time and effort.

I would first check the drain pipe. I swear I had antifreeze in my
water on passenger floor. But I checked the pipe and it was clogged
with leaves. Cleaned it and problem went away.

Open you hood and look at the firewall directly in front of the front
passenger compartment. You'll see a small hose with a 90 degree bend
pointing downward. Check hose.

Good luck.

Craig