fluctuating temps/coolant smell
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: SC
fluctuating temps/coolant smell
The last couple of trips in the 02 coupe, my coolant temps would fluctuate between 196-205 at cruise speed. Usually stays right around 196-198. This was the first time I had the heat on also.
Yesterday, after pulling in the garage I smelled a slight coolant odor, not inside but under the hood. No visible leaks from the top and nothing on the ground. Any thoughts.
Thanks.
Yesterday, after pulling in the garage I smelled a slight coolant odor, not inside but under the hood. No visible leaks from the top and nothing on the ground. Any thoughts.
Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Any number of possibilities but the usual is the water pump bearing is starting to go bad and your've got coolant dripping onto the belt. Another is the nipple from the tank will crack right at the tank itself and start dripping. The tank is around $50 so if this is the case, just replace it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the tank is cracked, its real simple to replace. Remove the mounting screws and disconnect the rubber tube. Make sure the engine has cooled down totally of course as the tank would be pressurized.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: SC
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Tech Contributor
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the cap was leaking, you would see the evidence around it. The fact is you are smelling coolant, so you have a leak. I don't remember exactly there the lines go through the firewall to the heater core but they are probably behind the battery or close to it.
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
If the pressure/vacuum diaphragm inside the cap is defective, hot coolant VAPORS are released. These vapors can have the smell of coolant without any evidence liquid. A defective cap seal, at the coolant tank neck, will also release hot vapors.
I still say replace the cap first.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Not necessarily true.
If the pressure/vacuum diaphragm inside the cap is defective, hot coolant VAPORS are released. These vapors can have the smell of coolant without any evidence liquid. A defective cap seal, at the coolant tank neck, will also release hot vapors.
I still say replace the cap first.
If the pressure/vacuum diaphragm inside the cap is defective, hot coolant VAPORS are released. These vapors can have the smell of coolant without any evidence liquid. A defective cap seal, at the coolant tank neck, will also release hot vapors.
I still say replace the cap first.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: SC
Just to possibly rule out the heater core, wouldn't it smello inside the car if it was the core? There is no odor in the car. Just when I open the hood. Also, would a bad cap or leak make it run slightly hotter and fluctuate like that?
Tech Contributor
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
A leaking heater core will definitely be noticed inside the car. First by smell, and usually with a wet carpet as well.
It the cap isn't holding pressure, coolant temperature fluctuations are possible.
It the cap isn't holding pressure, coolant temperature fluctuations are possible.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Agreed, you would smell it inside if the core was an issue. All of the remaining coolant connections are outside in the engine compartment. I'm thinking your water pump bearing is starting to go. It'll barely leak and evaporate before a puddle is created. Under the higher pressure while driving, it'll leak more and when you shut it down in the garage, its still pressurized for a little while.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
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Melting Slicks
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From: SC
Racer
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From: Holiday Shores IL
I noticed some coolant on the passenger side of the radiator support when I replaced my harmonic dampener.
Upon investigation discovered the rubber hose going to the radiator side tank at the top was old and splitting.
I cut off an inch and secured it back to the radiator.
I was careful not to break the nipple off the side tank of the radiator.
Upon investigation discovered the rubber hose going to the radiator side tank at the top was old and splitting.
I cut off an inch and secured it back to the radiator.
I was careful not to break the nipple off the side tank of the radiator.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: SC