02ChrisC5

I just purchased a 02 C5 with 37,000 miles and when I get out after a drive I can smell a little anti freeze and the coolant seems like it is boiling. I know these cars run hot, but this doesn't seem right to me. I talked to the previous owner and he said the car had no issues. I bought it from a dealership so he had nothing to gain by telling me that. Could he just not have known. I am not a mechanic but can do some repair work. Any thoughts? The needle moves a little but never gets close to red.

runner140*

Please give us a little more information.
What are the temps and at what speed?

Corvette_Ed

Try cleaning out the front of the radiator and condenser. Dirt, grass, leaves, and anything else you happen to run over get sucked up like a vacuum and can block the cooling fins, which causes an increase in running temperatures.

If you are smelling coolant you should start keeping an eye on your coolant level. If you are losing any you should check the overflow tank for leaks, as this is one of the most common causes. The seams on the plastic ends can develop leaks over time as well.

02ChrisC5

Turns out there was a small crack in the coolant overflow tank right where the hose slides on. Once we changed coolant and filled it up and the thermostat opened it started shooting out. A new GM tank on the way.

Corvette_Ed

Good deal! I like easy fixes.

02ChrisC5

We replaced the coolant overflow tank and now no leaks and holding 15 lbs of pressure, but I am still getting a hint of coolant smell. Anybody have any thoughts?

65GGvert

I don't know how much you've driven since replacement, but it's possible you have some coolant pooling or some residue from before. I'd drive it a little before I came to any conclusion. I'd also post what temp the car is running at on the highway and in traffic so we can see if there is actually an issue with temp.

02ChrisC5

The temp is pretty stable between 220 to 230. haven't driven the a lot, but I would think any residual would be gone. The water pump may be a good idea, but it seems I can smell it when it is running also.

02ChrisC5

I actually have a pressure tester that I rented earlier in the week so I will hook it up and see what it does.

02ChrisC5

I just went to the garage and checked it and the pressure was about 8 lbs, so there is definitely a leak somewhere.

White Out

Check the radiator end tanks, can seep coolant there.