Coolant issue

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Jan 3, 2018 | 02:14 AM

C5 Newb

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 351

Likes: 13

From: Payson AZ

Coolant issue

Starting about a week ago I started smelling coolant right after I ran the car and got into the 4,000 - 5,000 rpm range.

It has happened a dozen times but I am NOT overheating at all and it stays at around 190.

There is NO coolant loss at all.

I can find NO evidence of a leak anywhere but there must be one somewhere.

Any ideas???

It's a 1999 stock LS1 w/ 6 speed manual

Jan 3, 2018 | 07:35 AM

Vetteman Jack

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Jan 3, 2018 | 11:57 AM

feeder82

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Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Wisconsin

A couple spots to check carefully, the expansion tank at the nipples and seam, they tend to crack. Check the water pump close, seepage there is hard to spot.

Jan 3, 2018 | 12:13 PM

runner140*

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by feeder82

A couple spots to check carefully, the expansion tank at the nipples and seam, they tend to crack. Check the water pump close, seepage there is hard to spot.

All good suggestions...also check the pressure cap. They tend to give up the ghost...sometimes.

Jan 3, 2018 | 12:47 PM

3sACROWD

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 2,258

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From: Appleton WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by feeder82

A couple spots to check carefully, the expansion tank at the nipples and seam, they tend to crack. Check the water pump close, seepage there is hard to spot.

I agree. If the water pump is starting to go, the seepage will be minor and the coolant evaporates quickly but the smell remains.

Jan 3, 2018 | 01:41 PM

HT1663WB

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Clayton New Jersey

I had the same issue when I had my 2000 Vette. It's a bad water pump. If you look under the thermostat housing, you will see the dried up antifreeze stain.

Jan 3, 2018 | 09:17 PM

C5 Newb

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 351

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From: Payson AZ

great!

Thanks for the suggestions,

Lets hope it's a cap and not a water pump!

Jan 4, 2018 | 07:31 AM

runner140*

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,700

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5 Newb

Thanks for the suggestions,

Lets hope it's a cap and not a water pump!

Most all components of the cooling system are somewhat easy and not too expensive fixes. (water pump, t-stat, hoses, pressure cap and the
overflow surge tank)