Again losing coolant

pman7373 · Post by **pman7373** » 04 Jun 2010, 16:32

Hey Guys,

In the winter time I was low on coolant and I used Blue Devil to try and stop a leak. Now my reservoir is lowering again.

Here are 2 things I notice:
1. When cold and I run the heat sometimes the air entering my car smells funny (almost like ozone)/conversely a few days ago when I was running my A/C it smelled the same way. This only lasts for a minute or so.
2. When I open the hood near the reservoir it smells sweet (like syrup).

I've heard that could be a bad radiator line, but I was wondering if anyone knew common reasons for the coolant to be leaking/burning/disappearing.

Also, I am losing oil but the two don't seem to be related as I have been losing coolant before I noticed low oil levels.

Thanks!
P

Post by **SilverS70** » 04 Jun 2010, 16:51

You need to find out where the leak is. While the car is cold, I'd inspect the coolant with a clean white paper towel to look for color, milkshake(coolant&oil mix) bits.

Then I'd turn on the car, let it sit running for 20 mins or longer and look for leaks with a flashlight, inspect all the hoses, around the cap, the coolant tank, radiator, drips on the ground, etc. I'd sniff for it too. Then look inside the car around the front floorboard carpet nearest the dash for dampness and sweet smell. But if you noticed the heavier sweet smell inside the engine compartment, your leak is probably there.

My personal opinion is using stop leaks like Blue Devil was a mistake. It might have worked short term, but your problem is back and it could be a more expensive fix now. Report back to us on your findings.

The oil usage could be a separate, I burn about 1/2qt per 4000 miles. But I check my oil often so I have a general idea on how much its using.

pman7373 · Post by **pman7373** » 04 Jun 2010, 17:02

Thanks Initially I thought it was a pin hole leak in my heating core b/c of the smell. Last time I flushed my radiator it looked like straight coolant (about 6 months ago). I'll try out what you're saying and get back to you.

Thanks for the site/reply!

Post by **E Showell** » 07 Jun 2010, 08:04

Check expansion tank cap. Probably weeping slightly if no other visible leaks.

pman7373 · Post by **pman7373** » 10 Jun 2010, 18:42

I found a leaking hose! Sorry I didn't check the obvious before I came to you guys, but thanks for the help! hopefully the replacement hose does the trick!