Smelling Coolant

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 20, 2015 | 01:51 PM

Borderdawg

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 15

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio

Smelling Coolant

I have a 2004, ZO6 with under 22K miles. After driving it and parking it in the garage, I can smell coolant, mainly from the passenger side area. There’s no leakage coming from any of the hoses that I can see. I was wondering if I have a small leak at the water pump gasket. I’m thinking the leak is so small that when it leaks it evaporates from the engine heat. I talked to a few mechanics and was told “not worry about it and to let the leak show itself.” I was thinking of doing an overnight pressure test to pinpoint where it’s coming from. Any thoughts???

Nov 20, 2015 | 02:57 PM

stu12dozen

Pro

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 536

Likes: 2

From: Brisbane Queensland

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

Pressure tester should help locate it.

Pressure test is the only way to know for sure.

Nov 20, 2015 | 03:01 PM

Borderdawg

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 15

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio

Pressure test it is!!! Thanks.

Nov 20, 2015 | 08:27 PM

El original

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 3,146

Likes: 203

From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada

Hopefully its not the heater core...if the windows fog up on heat/defrost setting its your culprit. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Rob

Nov 20, 2015 | 11:12 PM

striper

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 6,366

Likes: 249

From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I hope this will help you. Awhile back I had a similar problem. I didn't smell it until I shut the car off. I had no visible leaks anywhere. I don't remember who suggested this to me, but I replaced the cap on the coolant tank and it fixed the problem. Got it on Amazon for slightly more than $10.

Nov 21, 2015 | 07:22 AM

ricoZg

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 878

Likes: 1

From: Anaheim CA

I had a similar issue. Found out I had a small crack at the radiator outlet tank just above the lower radiator hose.

Nov 21, 2015 | 12:19 PM

huesmann

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,008

Likes: 57

From: Kensington MD

Fortunately, you can get a Dorman overflow tank for under 50 bones. Unless the Dorman part has a bad rep on Vettes (I've used them to good effect on other cars)?

Nov 22, 2015 | 09:50 AM

huesmann

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,008

Likes: 57

From: Kensington MD

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-75722-603-140.aspx

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Joe Kucinski

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Joe Kucinski

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Joe Kucinski

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Joe Kucinski

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Joe Kucinski

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Brett Foote

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Joe Kucinski

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Michael S. Palmer

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Joe Kucinski

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Pouria Savadkouei

Nov 23, 2015 | 09:19 AM

huesmann

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,008

Likes: 57

From: Kensington MD

I originally found it at RockAuto, but checked Dorman's site to be sure.

Mar 15, 2016 | 02:22 PM

#10

Borderdawg

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 15

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio

Finally got around to performing the pressure test...leak is coming from right under the water pump pully and leaking on to the harmonic balancer. Is my water pump bad or is it the upper water pump seal?