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Old Dec 23, 2011, 10:21 AM
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Coolant smell

Ok so been noticing this. I had a rad leak so replaced it. But I still smell coolant. I checked my hoses no leaks. Fluid is not milky and car temp is spot on.

I am at 58k miles. Could my water pump be leaking a little bit? Should I just perform the 60k now? I can't find the source of the smell.
Old Dec 23, 2011, 10:27 AM
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How many miles have you put on it since you've replaced the rad?
Evos have a bad problem with burping coolant after it's been drained and refilled.
Old Dec 23, 2011, 10:28 AM
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I would say maybe 1000 miles.

Originally Posted by evo2nv79
How many miles have you put on it since you've replaced the rad?
Evos have a bad problem with burping coolant after it's been drained and refilled.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 08:16 AM
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ok burped the system this weekend no luck still smell coolant car is not low on coolant and don't see any drips
Old Dec 27, 2011, 02:55 PM
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If coolant isn't disappearing then you don't have a problem.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 02:59 PM
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How bad was your original leak that made you replace the radiator? Did radiator fluid go all over the engine bay? There could be a pocket or two of coolant...doubt it but maybe....that could be causing the smell after the engine warms up.....

Keep an eye on the radiator levels (like you've been doing) and also keep an eye on the ground for radiator fluid...
Old Dec 27, 2011, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by barneyb
If coolant isn't disappearing then you don't have a problem.
+1 its prolly jus old Coolant from when you replaced your Radiator and prolly your headers an turbo is burning it off causing it too smell like coolant. Like he said if coolant isnt disappearing from you tank you should be all Clear and good togo
Old Dec 27, 2011, 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by barneyb
If coolant isn't disappearing then you don't have a problem.
+ 1 I agree if you're not seeing a decrease in fluid then it just cannot be leaking and the smell is coming from somewhere else.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 05:41 PM
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Thanks everyone. Its just a strong smell. Only at idle and it smells as I start rolling from a stop. IDK I thought I cleaned things up well and it has been wet and rainy so figure any extra coolant would have washed off. I did fill up my coolant over flow and its almost empty. but the rad stayed full. Car temp is spot on ect.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by thedru13
Thanks everyone. Its just a strong smell. Only at idle and it smells as I start rolling from a stop. IDK I thought I cleaned things up well and it has been wet and rainy so figure any extra coolant would have washed off. I did fill up my coolant over flow and its almost empty. but the rad stayed full. Car temp is spot on ect.
If the radiator cap is working the way it should, it will pull coolant from the overflow to keep the radiator full. So, what you should be checking is the level of coolant in the tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low in the radiator or the tank level keeps descending, you've got a leak. And, if your windows, especially the windshield, should suddenly fog up, it is the heater core.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 05:57 PM
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How can i tell if the heater core is bad?

Originally Posted by barneyb
If the radiator cap is working the way it should, it will pull coolant from the overflow to keep the radiator full. So, what you should be checking is the level of coolant in the tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low in the radiator or the tank level keeps descending, you've got a leak. And, if your windows, especially the windshield, should suddenly fog up, it is the heater core.
Old Dec 27, 2011, 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by thedru13
How can i tell if the heater core is bad?
I thought I just answered that question.
Old Dec 28, 2011, 05:54 AM
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Originally Posted by barneyb
I thought I just answered that question.
my windows don't fog so think I am ok there and wouldn't the smell be more in the car I can smell coolant coming from the engine bay
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