Hey Everyone,

Have a 2004 commemorative edition convertible with 45k on the clock. Was getting a slight whiff of coolant on drivers side by alternator when motor was up to temp (196). So I went thru everything. Replaced all the hoses, water pump, thermostat, new reservoir, and new temp sensor. No leaks. Stil getting slight whiff of coolant smell. Oil is not foamy - nice honey brown from oil change about 2000 miles ago. Only thing that is left is rad? Thoughts? Seems to be cooling well.

 

Did you also replace the pressure cap on the reservoir, I had that slight coolant smell and fixed by buying new 18psi cap.

 

Yep new 18 psi cap. I posted on the FB group and one guy said to check hose underneath TB that goes to crossover metal lines. No evidence of leaks

 

I need to pressure test the rad. Maybe I have a pin hole in the plastic tank on the drivers side? Oem rad still in place.

 

Run down to your local auto parts store to see if they have a rental pressure tester as may auto parts stores have rental/loaners.


Cheers,
Goose

 

Lol just watched it. Thank you!!!

 

Heater core would be my suggestion to check as well.

 

Ten four. Once I get the pressure test done, I should be able to narrow it down. I ran it on full heat and checked for any smell from vents or wet floor board nothing. Ten to one it’s the plastic tank on rad. We will see.

 

Agghhhh said screw it. New rad on the way. Only money!! A lot of China knock offs out there. Went with Engineered Cooling products. USA made with lifetime warranty. All aluminum with fittings for my tranny lines (yeah I know -auto) lol. Not quite at the Dewitt level. Phewwww pricey.

 

I've seen rads leak and show no evidence other than smell alone.
I had a C4 had the exact same thing. Once I pulled it I saw it was leaking. I have a JAG and once pulled I couldn't see where it was leaking.
When they first start.. smell is about the only clue until you pressure test. And at that... sometimes it take high temps + pressure to find the leak.

 

Another item to check is your engine coolant steam port crossover pipe at the front of the engine basically under the intake connection. I had one barely leaking. Same thing you have - a faint antifreeze smell. Checked all the "normal culprits" and finally found this. The leak was so small it would probably take 20 years to run the radiator dry, but it was a leak that I wanted to correct.

You can get a one piece replacement from Chevy with adapters already attached. Don't remember how much - think around $35 or so. However, like many repairs, replacing the line with the connections attached is a little time consuming with several twists and turns.

No sooner did I wrangle that in place, then I found a braided line with two separate NPT threaded adapters. Probably easier to connect, and easier to get to, but still some back and forth with installing the adapter, then installing the line, then removing the adapter to install the adapter on the other side, etc!.

By the way, I was pleased to see from your comment that Speed Cooling/Engineered Cooling Products are now made in the USA!