Coolant Smell during Defrost

whiteLE · 11-22-2006, 07:27 PM

I notice the smell of coolant while the while on defrost and heat dial turned-up. I have read the various threads about the leaking cap and radiator cooler lines and I don't have any visual signs of either leaking. I don't notice the smell while not on defrost. I also didn't notice the smell last year.

Is this smell "normal"?

thanks
white

whiteLE · 11-22-2006, 07:50 PM

okay--if this is a dumba%# question, let me know, I can take it.

I checked the coolant level (engine cold) and it is just above the top of the "MIN" line.

white

StuntDriver06 · 11-22-2006, 07:59 PM

not normal, may be seeping from heater core or could be up front (radiator, a hose or cap leaking) and just able to smell it on defrost cause it blows in your face off the window? i dunno, you should be able to smell it on the face setting also (aka panel, lol)

whiteLE · 11-22-2006, 08:01 PM

roger that stunt driver, I'll try the panel tomorrow

StuntDriver06 · 11-22-2006, 08:08 PM

also try and see if you can smell the smell anywhere under the hood, drive your truck until it is good and hot, then park it in the driveway and turn it off, maybe you can trace teh smell that way, just a thought

stevieg-unit · 11-23-2006, 02:44 AM

I am thinking heater core as well....not a nice repair at all, very expensive. But you have to make sure that is what it is as most garages will want to do the heater core before looking elsewhere because it costs so much.
What year truck do you have? Even if its an '04 thats terrible.
I had a Dodge that the Chrysler dealership said the heater core was gone...$1120 Cdn to fix. Took it to just a regular garage and they changed the leaky thermostat...total cost $86!!

Hopefully you can find some kind of a leak somewhere.

**gr8titan** · 11-23-2006, 07:05 AM

Or it may just be the rubber hose connector to the heater core if the smeel comes back. The clamp/s may not be tight enough and the coolant is just "oozing" a little amount down to the heater core to be blown into the passenger compartment everytime you turn on the heater fan.

whiteLE · 11-23-2006, 08:05 AM

thanks gents. The Old Man and I will check it out this weekend. If I am understanding people's experiences correctly, I will not see drops/puddle from a heater core leak?

white

titanmoon · 11-23-2006, 11:04 AM

I smell coolant around the hood area and somewhat inside especially after shutting off a warm engine. More so now than in summer. You don't smell it coming from the vents, even with w/ heat on high and directed toward your nose.

Under the hood, the level never changes, no visible leaks. But odor is strong around radiator cap and overflow bottle cap.
Has been back to dealer about 4 times for this. They replaced the radiator cap and can find nor other problems.

My daughter's Expedition is the same way- strong antifreeze smell around ther hood area.

On mine I think it is just some smell escaping around the radiator and overflow caps.

StuntDriver06 · 11-23-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titanmoon

I smell coolant around the hood area and somewhat inside especially after shutting off a warm engine. More so now than in summer. You don't smell it coming from the vents, even with w/ heat on high and directed toward your nose.

Under the hood, the level never changes, no visible leaks. But odor is strong around radiator cap and overflow bottle cap.
Has been back to dealer about 4 times for this. They replaced the radiator cap and can find nor other problems.

My daughter's Expedition is the same way- strong antifreeze smell around ther hood area.

On mine I think it is just some smell escaping around the radiator and overflow caps.

i noticed this too, the rad. cap probably isnt a perfect airtight seal and im sure some air escapes... ive noticed it on other vehicles too, but through the vents is not normal just to clarify...

whiteLE · 11-23-2006, 07:57 PM

Stunt--no noticeable smell today (just using panel vents). It was most noticeable on recent cold days (20 F or less)

StuntDriver06 · 11-23-2006, 08:00 PM

do our trucks have an overflow? if so maybe when the heat builds up and pushes fluid into the overflow thats when we get the smell... just a thought...

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 11-24-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiteLE

I notice the smell of coolant while the while on defrost and heat dial turned-up. I have read the various threads about the leaking cap and radiator cooler lines and I don't have any visual signs of either leaking. I don't notice the smell while not on defrost. I also didn't notice the smell last year.

Is this smell "normal"?

thanks
white

2 years and 25k miles on my truck and ....yes, it seems to be normal on our trucks. I've noticed the same thing MANY times, especially after towing or long trips. I did have to have the radiator cap replaced once but the smell is always there. I've hed it checked, rechecked, and checked again. I've had the system pressure tested as well...all at the dealer. Nothing was found. I've never lost coolant either. So I'd replace the radiator cap just for the hell-of-it. Otherwise, if you see no leaks and the coolant level is ok, I wouldn't worry about it.

EDIT: I should add that the smell was always from the front of the truck...never smelled on the inside or coming thru the vents.

import2nr · 12-14-2006, 02:44 PM

i just started getting the coolant smell today .. and my truck has 25 thousand miles on it.. im taking it to the dealer tomorrow and hopefully they will find somthing or atleast replace some CAPS to rull those out.
I havnt noticed anysigns of leakage...just the smell

FlimFlamMan · 12-14-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyTitan

2 years and 25k miles on my truck and ....yes, it seems to be normal on our trucks. I've noticed the same thing MANY times, especially after towing or long trips. I did have to have the radiator cap replaced once but the smell is always there. I've hed it checked, rechecked, and checked again. I've had the system pressure tested as well...all at the dealer. Nothing was found. I've never lost coolant either. So I'd replace the radiator cap just for the hell-of-it. Otherwise, if you see no leaks and the coolant level is ok, I wouldn't worry about it.

EDIT: I should add that the smell was always from the front of the truck...never smelled on the inside or coming thru the vents.

Exact same thing here (except at 17k miles). I've cranked the heat a few times this winter so far and havent smelled coolant though. I would take it in to the dealer for that.