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Coolant smell

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Wingnut47, Nov 18, 2021.

  1. Nov 18, 2021 at 9:53 AM
    #1
    Wingnut47

    Wingnut47 [OP] Member

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    2015 V6, strong coolant smell coming through heat/vent system but no coolant loss apparent. Changed radiator cap, reclamped upper hose top of radiator, no change. No coolant in oil, no oil in radiator coolant. Starts and runs great. Heater works great, no temperature swings on gauge. Don't know if smell is coming from engine compartment through vent system or if it may be coming from heater core, heater control or valve under dash. Any thoughts?
     
  2. Nov 18, 2021 at 9:56 AM
    #2
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    Keep looking.

    Check the heater core and all hose connections and all hose conditions.
     
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  3. Nov 18, 2021 at 11:09 AM
    #3
    Geeves77

    Geeves77 Well-Known Member

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    I agree with that!
     
  4. Nov 18, 2021 at 9:43 PM
    #4
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    I can tell you that it isn’t coming from the heater control valve.
    There isn’t one an a 2nd Gen Tacoma.

    I’d suspect the core. Do the windows fog up too?
     
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  5. Nov 18, 2021 at 9:51 PM
    #5
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    Couple questions, when does it smell? All the time, only when warmed up, only on start up? Only on fresh air, only on recirc, both?
     
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  6. Nov 19, 2021 at 7:58 AM
    #6
    Wingnut47

    Wingnut47 [OP] Member

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    I am thinking of trying some broad spectrum K-Seal as the leak is so slight the coolant level is not changing. Any of you tried this or like products successfully. This truck only has 61k miles on it. To early to be having problems like this!
     
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  7. Nov 19, 2021 at 8:02 AM
    #7
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    Strongly suggest to avoid the "Cure in a Can" methods. These generally come back to haunt you in a bad way.

    You really need to keep looking. There really isn't too many places to investigate. Just follow the coolant flow.

    Hoses, clamps, valves, cores, connections...... You may need to pressurize the system to locate the source.

    Leave the "Canned Cures" on the shelf.
     
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  8. Nov 19, 2021 at 8:23 AM
    #8
    road2cycle

    road2cycle Well-Known Member

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    Have you looked for signs of a pinhole leak on the radiator? Any crusty pinkish residue on it?
     
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  9. Nov 19, 2021 at 8:25 AM
    #9
    Mastiffsrule

    Mastiffsrule Well-known member, but no one cares.

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    Are you sure it is coolant? Have you done a french fry check under the seats lately? Behind on daily grooming?
     
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  10. Nov 19, 2021 at 2:03 PM
    #10
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    French Fries that smell like coolant.......:puke:

    Quit going to McD's drive-thru.
     
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  11. Nov 19, 2021 at 4:45 PM
    #11
    winkel

    winkel Well-Known Member

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    Long shot here but years ago on my old T-100, had a similar issue. The tanks on the end of the radiator were crimped on to the aluminum core. There's a big o-ring between the tanks and the core. One of them was leaking. Replaced the radiator and that took care of it.
    This is not likely your problem given the age and mileage of your truck, but something to eliminate.
     
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  12. Nov 19, 2021 at 4:58 PM
    #12
    muddog321

    muddog321 Well-Known Member

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    If rodents got in there pull that engine cover off and look at the bypass hose under there a fav of critters as well as the injector wires! Been there thought water pump but was critters eating things.
    If not then Knute in #7 has it - borrow a pressure tester at the auto store (free with deposit) and pump the system up and look /listen for leaks. Is the reservoir going down?
    You have 2 coolant drain plugs 1 on each side of the block as well as the water pump, hoses, and thermostat housing.
     
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  13. Nov 19, 2021 at 5:06 PM
    #13
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    If you’re that worried, have the coolant system pressure tested. That should help find the leak. Before I tear the dash apart, I’d see if fails a pressure test.
     
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  14. Nov 19, 2021 at 5:14 PM
    #14
    Monkeybutt2000

    Monkeybutt2000 Well-Known Member

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    I can't see the radiator being bad on a 15",but my 02' 4-Runner did the same thing years ago. Radiator leaked ever so slightly at the tank seam.
     
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