Coolant smell when engine is under a load

dgs1966 · 11-05-2006, 01:21 AM

Hello,

what I have experienced is when I am towing a trailer (whether 3,000 or 6,000 lbs) when the engine is under a load (especially trying to back up) I get a strong coolant smell coming fron the engine compartment.
Nissan has NEVER been able to trace the source of where the odor is coming from.

Any answers?????

Note - this 2004 titan only has 15K and had the smell since new

Demondw3 · 11-05-2006, 08:37 AM

I had the hairline crack in my raidiator that was not found until the did a coolant flush. I just happened to get my oil changed at a jiffy lube and the mentioned that I needed coolant. I thought yeah right, I have never ran hot or smelled coolant. So just before a long trip towing my jetski I decided to do the nissan 30k service well it went down hill from there. I made the trip smelling coolant but couldnt find it. When I returned they said the radiator was cracked but they would pay for it. Some folks have said it was just the Cap for theirs so I would suggest changing the cap first if you still smell have them look at the radiator closer. I took off the stock skid plate and found dried coolant underneath. It was never enough to leave a puddle. Good luck with your search.

Tolleyy · 11-08-2006, 11:58 AM

I had the same problem too, usually when it was hot out and running the a/c. My radiator also had a hairline crack in it. replaced under warranty and all is good now.

Big Azz Rice Burner · 11-08-2006, 01:42 PM

I would also check your radiator cap. I have had two replaced for the same issue. There is a TSB on this.