I smell coolant...

...but I can't tell if it's a problem. Please help!

A few months ago, I started smelling coolant whenever I would shut my truck off after a drive. I should mention that the temp gauge has never worked since I've owned the vehicle! I do however own a CAN bus reader and I confirmed that the coolant temp is not out of range. Also it's not like a strong smell of coolant and boiling over as I've seen when an engine is actually overheating. However, it's enough to make me want to know where it's coming from.

What can I do to troubleshoot this issue?

Even though my account is new, I've browsed this forum for years whenever I had any kind of problem and I'm glad to be here officially!

 

First step would be to check the coolant level in the radiator.
If it's not low all you can do is keep an eye on it.
The coolant reservoir isn't air tight. So you will smell a faint odor of coolant when the engine is off and warm.

I guess you could pressure test the cooling system and look for leaks.

I would however recommend you fixing the ECT gauge.
Best I remember, the 3.4 has 2 sensor.
One for the gauge and one for the ECM.

 

Here are the locations for the ECT sensors
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nt-temp-sensor-location.419900/#post-11959746

 

Pop the hood and start looking for pink crust or liquid coolant

How's the level in the radiator and expansion tank?

 

Check the weep hole on the water pump

Hard to see without being intentional. It won't lose a lot of coolant, but it will smell.

If wet, it's your hint that the seal has failed, the bearing will fail shortly and bad things can happen.

 

Great responses, thanks everyone! I'll report back if I find anything after checking on these.

 

It was a hairline crack in the radiator itself. Local shop replaced radiator, hoses, new coolant, etc for about $916 in Austin, Texas.

 

Thanks for getting back with the rest of the story.