Antifreeze Odor

[TJKashin]

I have run into the issue of a strong antifreeze odor under the hood after running for awhile. I'll try and explain everything to the best of my ability here, maybe someone can tell me what could be wrong.

First of all, When I drive on the highway, it seems that the temp gauge hardly goes up. There is heat, but the gauge only registers a little less than a quarter of the way up. Then, when I am around town or cruising under 40, it will register up to halfway. After driving for awhile, the odor of antifreeze can be smelled under the hood. I have not lost any coolant, do not see any fresh drips or leaks in my garage (I even parked over some clean white paper for a couple days). I have heat 90% of the time, but occasionally there seems to be a cold spot that shows up.

I suspect a couple of things, but maybe other members might have other suggestions.

1) Thermostat either stuck open or non-existent. I haven't done anything as far as checking that yet due to the ass-biting cold weather here in Chicago.

2) Heater core hoses about to go out, no actual leak but just about to.

These are the things I have come across in past experience that might lead to this, but since I am a new Mark VIII owner, there might be something else I am not aware of, and yes, I have searched here and a couple other sites before deciding to post a question.

Thanks for any help in advance...

Tim K.

 

[MindyMark]

Some of the symptoms you describe sound like there may be air in the system. You shouldn't get air in the cooling system unless you open it up for service. Typically the air will work itself out but could take some time and will/can cause erratic temp readings and periods of no heat.

Some other places that could be causing a leak that is hard to detect would be:

• Plastic tanks on the side of the radiator
• Pressure cap on the overflow
• Heater core, but you would most likely smell that inside first

Those are just a few more idea, but by no means an all inclusive list.

 

[budpytko]

Probably low coolent. You can't just add coolent into the jug, as you probably have an air bubble in the system. You have to fill it fron the crossover tube in front top of engine. Let engine cool...remove cap of crossover tube. If it hasn't been off in a long time, it'll be on there VERY tight. Fill with 50/50 coolent until it starts to fill the overflow bottle. Re-Install cap. Start engine drive it until hot....check overflow bottle. Refill (from crossover tube as necessary. Drive until hot again...recheck. You may get a CEL saying Low Coolent in a day or two, but just keep filling it as I said...when all the bubbles have been burped out, you should be fine.

 

[Roadboss]

Be sure you have coolant in the bottle, and refill thru the neck. You may have a very small leak from the water pump. When weather gets better take a closer look. You said you aren't loosing coolant and assume you are basing that on the level in the bottle.

 

[Be2lose]

Be sure you have coolant in the bottle, and refill thru the neck. You may have a very small leak from the water pump. When weather gets better take a closer look. You said you aren't loosing coolant and assume you are basing that on the level in the bottle.

YES, it dose not take much to smell alot!!