Quick whiff of coolant
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From: Western North Carolina
Quick whiff of coolant My search here revealed results from 5+ years ago so just in case there is something new, here is my minor problem. I get a quick smell of coolant when I start the car after it's been driven sometimes. Usually the vent is on which may bring the odor into the cabin. I also notice it briefly in the garage when I pull in but it dissipates rapidly. I was thinking overflow reservoir but went to my mechanic to check it out properly. He smelled it too upon start-up but found nothing. He did a pressure test (radiator) and no issues. No leaks. He said all the hoses were fine. He then checked the water pump for signs of leaking, even dried on stains, but again nothing. He said don't worry about it until you see a leak or it gets worse. I'm inclined to agree but it's definitely something, because it wasn't there before, just not sure what. Why would the overflow start smelling all of a sudden? I switched away from Dexcool many years ago so it isn't related to that. A minor mystery but I'm quite particular with my cars and certainly curious.
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I wouldn't use stop leak products, I'm not a fan of adding gunk to the cooling system.
Sounds like the leak is too small to leave any staining at this point. I'd keep an eye on the coolant level. Small leaks at the water pump don't always leave staining or cause any dripping when the engine is not running (e.g. no puddles in the garage, etc.) so, while it might not yet be identifiable, I wouldn't rule out the water pump at this point. But, as mentioned above, it could be coming from a variety of potential sources.
Sounds like the leak is too small to leave any staining at this point. I'd keep an eye on the coolant level. Small leaks at the water pump don't always leave staining or cause any dripping when the engine is not running (e.g. no puddles in the garage, etc.) so, while it might not yet be identifiable, I wouldn't rule out the water pump at this point. But, as mentioned above, it could be coming from a variety of potential sources.
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TECH Junkie
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From: Western North Carolina
Thank you very much for the responses. I certainly appreciate the advice. The coolant level does NOT go down and I have had no need at all to add any. I imagine the heater core would be tough to identify as far as a minor leak. Anything visible to watch for? Thanks again.
The coolant 'overflow' tank is not a sealed unit, it has to be able to 'breathe' as coolant from the coolant system is either expelled or sucked back in by the radiator. The air in the overflow tank is going to have a coolant odor and as it's vented outward, it's very easy to sense.
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TECH Junkie
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From: Western North Carolina
The coolant 'overflow' tank is not a sealed unit, it has to be able to 'breathe' as coolant from the coolant system is either expelled or sucked back in by the radiator. The air in the overflow tank is going to have a coolant odor and as it's vented outward, it's very easy to sense.
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...and immediately replace the reservoir cap to rule that in/out as a source out...they are a "wear" item
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Verdad Gallardo Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I'd still keep an eye on coolant level though, especially if a new cap doesn't fix it. To catch a whiff of this (even without a visible leak present or enough loss to require adding some fluid) could suggest that it's a very tiny amount quickly burning off on a hot surface, leaving no trace but an odor.
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From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Sounds like the leak is too small to leave any staining at this point. I'd keep an eye on the coolant level. Small leaks at the water pump don't always leave staining or cause any dripping when the engine is not running (e.g. no puddles in the garage, etc.) so, while it might not yet be identifiable, I wouldn't rule out the water pump at this point.
The leak is so small at this point that it burns off immediately, leaving no visible trace, only the odor.
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From: Woodstock, GA
When my heater core went out, it went from first smelling coolant to fogging my windows an hour and 45 miles later.
I too would not use additives in your coolant from personal experience. You could not only stop a leak, but also stop proper coolant flow - thus overheating.
If you think it might be the heater core, and you want to rule it out, you could by pass it with an 8 dollar U-hose and 10 minutes of work to put it on.
I too would not use additives in your coolant from personal experience. You could not only stop a leak, but also stop proper coolant flow - thus overheating.
If you think it might be the heater core, and you want to rule it out, you could by pass it with an 8 dollar U-hose and 10 minutes of work to put it on.
They put coolant sealing tablets in the systems when they are built. A small amount of stop leak isn't going to plug the system. Dumping an entire can in might cause an issue.
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