Antifreeze smell
12-26-2003, 07:33 AM
#1
Antifreeze smell
Last night I went to Austin from San Antonio (about 130 miles roundtrip) to pick up my son for Christmas. When I got back to the house I noticed a smell of antifreeze. I heard a lil "popin" kinda noise from my radiatior area but I didnt find any leaks. This is the first time I have ever heard this noise. Anybody know what it is? Thanks.
12-26-2003, 09:17 AM
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NW suburb of Chicago, IL
Posts: 69
If you didn't find any leaks aroung the radiator, then it could be coming from the especially if the smell of antifreeze is strong. Try varying between cooling and heating on the A/C and check if the smell varies.
12-26-2003, 05:26 PM
#3
Originally Posted by cyjad
If you didn't find any leaks aroung the radiator, then it could be coming from the especially if the smell of antifreeze is strong. Try varying between cooling and heating on the A/C and check if the smell varies.
I did find a puddle of AF in my garage and the leak "looked" to come from the hose at the bottom of the radiator. I did notice that my resovior was over the "max" line and I dont remember filling it up that high. When I drove to work today, no problems. No smell of AF and the heater is working. No noticable leaks "will check the spot after I pull out", and my temp is just fine. I really dont know. Maybe there is an air pocket in there or maybe I have too much fluid in there. Any ideas? Thanks.
12-28-2003, 09:37 AM
#4
Now my ride decides to get hot during city driving. On the highway its fine, but when I get into downtown with all the traffic lights and idiot drivers, my temp gauge goes way up. Not all the way, but too close for me. My temp would never ever get half way on the gauge, now its at least 3/4, but only in the city. Checked FAQs and cant find anything. Search is inop so does anybody know what this could be? Thanks
12-28-2003, 03:56 PM
#9
Originally Posted by sharkulator
I just switched the thermostat out less than a month ago. If it was the water pump, wouldnt it overheat? Thanks for the suggestions!!!
Let you car cool overnight then check the coolant by opening the radiator cap and peeking inside. I'm pretty sure you'll see that it's low.
Changing the water pump can be a pain, you should also change your tensioner if you notice timing chain is noisy.
12-29-2003, 12:13 PM
#13
Well gentlemen, I took the Max to the mechanic today. The verdict is in. My radiator is cracked. They are gonna charge about $400.00. Time to get on EBAY or something. Just so everyone knows the mechanic stated that the water cooler doesnt push the coolant through the system (I thought it did) a vacum is created and thats how the coolant circulates. That would explain why my resovior is over max and my radiator was bone a$$ dry. I did add coolant so . . . The mechanic said that as long as I check the coolant I should be alright for the time being. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Nothin but money, money, money.
12-29-2003, 01:43 PM
#14
Yep, it's a pressurized system just like the other things on our car. That's why you have to keep it between the Min and Max lines so there is enough pressure and not too much 
AutoZone has a radiator for about $175, sure beats the $400 repair estimate 
AutoZone has a radiator for about $175, sure beats the $400 repair estimate
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