Coolant Smell

Hi Folks,

Looking for other ideas/input on this issue.

Lately i've begun to smell a slight coolant smell from my truck....an 09 4cyl.
I've checked the radiator level, overflow level, under the truck, around the radiator,
around the engine, head gasket...etc... and no noticeable drips or leaks.
Engine runs at the normal temperature.

I have had to add a little coolant a couple times to my overflow,
but i've read that is normal for the 2TR??

The smell is mostly from the outside, but occasionally it seems like i get the smell
inside the cab...i'm thinking maybe the heater core is starting to fail??
But i haven't seen any evidence of leaking under the dash or on carpets.

Anything else i'm overlooking??

Anybody?...Thanks.

 

You need to pressure test the cooling system.

 

Ok, thanks...as i don't have that type of gear i'll run it by the shop to see what is what?...
or is that something an Advance Auto or wherever guy could do?

 

I would check every time before and after for leaks on the ground, could be small hose leak? Also how many miles do you have?

 

I kind of doubt the local auto parts store will either have the expertise or equipment to do a pressure test for you. (Besides, you don't want to be playing with a hot cooling system.) The equipment is pretty simple, but one has to know what they're doing with it so as not to cause even more damage. Basically, it's a hand pump that replaces your radiator cap and allows one to manually pressurize the system while the engine is cold. The pressure will highlight any coolant leaks in the system.

 

It's got just over 40k miles.

I've not noticed any drips at all under it...i'll triple check and have another look
around the water pump too, but man, it's really clean where i can see.
i haven't checked the freeze plug(s) area though, so that could be an area to look as well.

It's only a slight smell so whatever is very small... and btw, I did an oil change back in December and
the oil looked fine...nothing in the oil filler cap either.

 

Could be your radiator cap. I had this issue on a 1998 Corolla and a new cap fixed the problem.

 

Go to AutoZone and use their loan-a-tool program. You pretty much put a deposit down for using the coolant pressure test tool. You'll get the money back once the tool is returned. There are also a few "DIY" checks utilizing an air compressor to test the system for leaks. YouTube is your friend.

 

Was thinking the same thing...not sure about the expertise level...

I did check that and it looks fine...no visible fluids around the radiator throat. I did remove and reseat the cap but all looked fine
and the coolant level was fine with engine cool...i cranked it with the cap off to see if the level moved, but all was good there too.

Yea, i've been reviewing the various vids out there...but that is not my field of expertise either...even if i find that i'm loosing
pressure, i still have to find the leak.

Thanks All.