Smell of Coolant

[Junkyard Dog]

For weeks, maybe months, I have noticed a coolant smell sometimes after driving my car. My wife noticed it, too, with no prompting by me.

I checked the coolant level, and it is above the minimum.

Is this a normal thing? Has anybody else noticed a coolant smell after driving?

It is wintertime, and I notice this even when it is cold outside.

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[Skye]

Do you notice the smell inside the cabin? Or outside the car once parked?

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Do you notice the smell inside the cabin? Or outside the car once parked?

No, only outside, once parked.

 

[Skye]

No, only outside

You can start tracking the coolant level. Check the overflow bottle once a week, or as often as you feel necessary. The level will vary for all kinds of reasons, but if you see a long-term trend of down, something is leaking, yes.

When the engine is cold to the touch, and with a torch, inspect hoses, connections, radiator, overflow tank, radiator cap, water pump, thermostat housing, etc. Look for any white, chalky-looking residue. Sometimes, small leaks will leak when cold, but seal up once the engine and bits are hot. With the engine hot, the liquid cooks off and produces the smell. Check underneath the car as well.

If you see nothing at all but confirm the coolant continues to go down or the smell is still there, go to the dealer and explain the situation. Ask them to put it up on the rack and do a pressure test when the engine is cold. They can put just a bit of pressure in when cold, which should drive a leak while not sealing the system. Checking from underneath with the belly pan off could give them an advantage.

Edit,

While at it, check the engine oil level as well. Just for the heck of it.

The smell of coolant inside the cabin could be a sign the heater core or line and connection are failing.

 

[Frogdog1]

For weeks, maybe months, I have noticed a coolant smell sometimes after driving my car. My wife noticed it, too, with no prompting by me.

I checked the coolant level, and it is above the minimum.

Is this a normal thing? Has anybody else noticed a coolant smell after driving?

It is wintertime, and I notice this even when it is cold outside.

From experience, you likely have a new head gasket set coming.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Chill on the fear mongering, brother.

 

[smurfslayer]

When the engine is cold to the touch, and with a torch, inspect hoses, connections, radiator, overflow tank, radiator cap, water pump, thermostat housing, etc.

For the sole reason that you are replying to a person in the US state of Georgia, let me clarify for @Junkyard Dog :

By 'torch' he means a flashlight, not an actual torch.
sort of like the 'chips' in fish and chips aren't chips, they're fries or fried potatoes. Please don't use an actual torch ! :-)

 

[Katastrophe]

Junkyard Dog:

Bad news & good news: engine replacement | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

Maybe reach out to this user and see if anything you're experiencing can coincide with what they went through?

As others have mentioned, just keep an eye on it. It wouldn't hurt to have it documented by Ford at some point either, just in case. Good luck!

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Junkyard Dog:

Bad news & good news: engine replacement | Mustang7G - 2024+ S650 Mustang Forum (Dark Horse, GT, EcoBoost, GT500, GT350, Mach 1)

Maybe reach out to this user and see if anything you're experiencing can coincide with what they went through?

As others have mentioned, just keep an eye on it. It wouldn't hurt to have it documented by Ford at some point either, just in case. Good luck!

But I have not noticed any reduction in coolant levels or discoloration or any of that . . .

 

[porterhousestk]

I have a way different engine (EB), but I have also noticed a very faint coolant smell sometimes after the car has been at operating temp for a while. Never had any issues. Just wanted to jump in and perhaps alleviate some of your concern. Never seen any real change in my coolant levels.

 

[Katastrophe]

But I have not noticed any reduction in coolant levels or discoloration or any of that . . .

To be fair...you haven't started tracking your coolant levels, though, right?

Anyway, just figured I'd pass it along. Do with it what you will.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Good lord people need to stop with the fear mongering.

It is possible to have some minor coolant smell coming from the expansion/overflow tank after driving. I get it occasionally.

If you arent loosing coolant, and its not rapidly turning colors, I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

To be fair...you haven't started tracking your coolant levels, though, right?

Anyway, just figured I'd pass it along. Do with it what you will.

No.

But if I have never had to add any, why would tracking help? Doesn't it fluctuate?

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Whew! So at least two other persons have noticed this smell. It is not just me.

 

[Frogdog1]

It takes very little coolant loss to have a bad head gasket. Ask me how I know. I am not fear mongering either. Take it to a Ford dealer, get it on record and start watching coolant levels.

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