1998 V70 - Coolant and "Diesel" smell

Post by **chexny** » 07 Apr 2014, 15:06

I am getting a smell of a mix of Coolant and frankly what oddly smells like diesel coming through the upper vents. If I hit the recirculate button the smell goes away. Also it seems stronger if I put the heat to high. If I put the heat midway or low (cool) then the smell goes away.

I had the PCV done 2 weeks ago as well as new upper radiator hose which I think was leaking - no coolant loss since at least. The heater core was done ~2y ago and it seems like there is not wetness or leaking there. Any ideas where to start?

Post by **alschnertz** » 07 Apr 2014, 18:01

Since you're not smelling coolant when in recirc., I wonder if the overflow tank is leaking and the odor is making it's way to the fresh air intake.

Post by **rspi** » 07 Apr 2014, 18:34

Coolant leak somewhere and oil leak burning on exhaust maybe. These cars have 8 hoses that carry coolant.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Apr 2014, 23:16

Does your A/C work? Could be compressor oil leaking into the cabin if the evaporator has failed.

Neil.

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Apr 2014, 08:52

That's a familiar smell. There's oil leaking on your exhaust, possibly from a clogged PCV.

Oil will pool under the spark plug cover and drip down on the exhaust. The rear cam seal can leak onto the exhaust as well.

Looks like you have a V70R - the turbo coolant lines are probably in dire need of replacement. They will explode and leave you on the side of the road somewhere with no coolant and a blown head gasket.

Post by **chexny** » 08 Apr 2014, 21:36

I checked under the spark plug cover. There was some oil but not much which I cleaned off. PCV was done professionally a few weeks ago. The overflow tank was slightly over max. The mechanic who did the pcv changed the upper radiator hose b/c it was leaking. Not sure if he added some coolant or when I last topped it off I got to aggressive. I turkey baster'ed some out to get below max line. It seems better. I didn't notice any tubes or leaks but I am no mechanic. The turbo coolant return line is not support soft and pliable but doesn't seem brittle either. It had some give. I may try to change that as a precaution but there was nit any leak in the great shield. The 'engine coolant' lives were changed 20k mills ago by a local shop. Is that the same as the turbo coolant lines? I assume not but thought I would ask.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Apr 2014, 10:30

Sounds like the expansion tank cap was venting because the pressure (fluid level) was too high. That was working as designed.

The 'engine coolant' lives were changed 20k mills ago by a local shop. Is that the same as the turbo coolant lines? I assume not but thought I would ask.

I doubt they even knew to change the ones @ the turbo. Just look for swelling or cracking of the 2 lines back there (there are some that run across from the coolant expansion tank as well).

If you get under the car, do you see that the turbocharger is covered in oil?

Post by **chexny** » 22 Apr 2014, 06:21

The diesel smell is gone. Not sure where what why but it has been a while so it is what it is. I still get a faint coolant smell very occasionally. But could not find any leaks.....well just found a very small pool of coolant leaking from under the radiator area before heading to work. It was dripping through the plastic under cover. Seriously pissed and about had it with this car. Radiator cannot have more than 15k miles on it. It better be a hose or I am going to lose it.

Post by **E Showell** » 25 Apr 2014, 11:35

More than likely a lose hose clamp. They can weep a bit if not snugged up tight. I chased a phantom cooling system leak for months until I could narrow it down to a loose hose clamp that was juste barely weeping.