Why do I smell radiator fluid?

Question

So I just bought a 2004 Pontiac Aztek with 40,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on after a couple of weeks, and I took it to the dealership, and they replaced the thermostat. Ever since, I have smelled radiator fluid when like I get out of the car, but I took it back again, and they say there is no leak. There is never anything on the ground or anything, and the engine temp stays in the normal range. What's wrong with my new car? Is this something I should be concerned about?

Answer 1

it's called antifreeze honktard.

Answer 2

That particular V-6 engine has got a plastic intake manifold. It's famous for warping. If you will serach on the internet, you can find varoious service bulletins on this. It is most likely leaking back by the #6 cylinder, between the engine and the firewall, in a place where you cannot see the leak. The leak is small enough so that the coolant evaporates. The cause of the leak is the dexcool coolant, which contains the same polymar structure as the seals on the intake manifold gasket. When the anti-freeze starts to break down, the coolant attacks the seals. That's when you start smelling anti-freeze.

The solution is to take the top half of the engine apart and it may be a good idea to also replace the water pump at this time. It will probably cost $1200. Changing a thermostat is not going to fix anything. The reason the light went out is because they reset the engine check engine code. There is a slight chance that theydidn't connect the radiator hose to the thermostat correctly. Run your finger around the radiator hose at the thermostat while the engine is still warm and pressure is still on the coolant system. If you find any moisture at all, take it back to the dealer and tell them your finger was wet. If they say they can't reproduce your results, offer to go in and show their chief mechanic how to do it. That should get some action .

Answer 3

Your Aztek has a sealed cooling system. When the engine is running the system builds up pressure, approx. 15-18 psi. Your radiator cap maintains this pressure. If the pressure exceeds this then the cap will vent the excess off. This usually occurs soon after the engine is shut down and you may smell the scent of radiator fluid outside the car. The excess pressure is probably due to the replacement of the thermostat. Double check the coolant level with the engine cool for the next few days to ensure the cap isn't venting excess fluid while you're driving.

Answer 4

Use a paper towel and press it into the passenger side carpet where your feet go. The reason for that is to see if the heater core is leaking onto the carpet.

Or it may simply be residual antifreeze on the engine giving off the odor.

Check your coolant resevior level in the morning (cold engine). mark the level of coolant with a pen.

Drive for the day to work, the store, or wherever you usualy go.

Then, check it the next morning (cold engine) and see if the level has dropped at all.

If it has gone down, you DO have a leak.
If it's still the same, you're fine.

Answer 5

There's a good possibility that when they changed the thermostat they probably spilt coolant on the motor and you smell it when it gets heated. Do not "shampoo" the engine compartment you could do more damage than good. Just give it a few more weeks and it should go away. A pressure test should do to test for a leak if it hold pressure steady at 15 psi for 5-10 mins it's fine.

Answer 6

The heater center solutions are excellent. in spite of the incontrovertible fact that, it is likewise achieveable, on the grounds that coolant spewed in each and every single place, that some have been given into the ductwork of your heating/AC gadget. those little slotted vents you notice excellent under your windshield is the place the air gadget gets its sparkling air. If there is coolant spilled in there, it is going to sniff till the coolant evaporates with the aid of itself. Taking the gadget to bathe it out is an ungodly complicated technique. you will possibly would desire to dismantle maximum of each and every thing under the tool panel. save an eye fixed on your coolant point. If it does not flow down, you do not have a leak.

Answer 7

Could be leaking in heater core, or maybe all you need to do is shampoo the engine compartment to get the residue off.

Answer 8

the heater core might be bad