OK, im really not a dumb girl but this car thing is really stumping me. My care squeaks, like the belt needs lube. My coolant light is on, my car isnt over heating, but when i sit with the car running for a little while, it starts to smoke a little, (sweet smell) like theres a little leak somewhere. i cant figure out where its coming from. i just got this new engine in my car (Ford 1995 escort) earlier this year but im so confused. i dont want to leave it unlooked at, but its so expensive to take it to the shop. HELP! what could it be?
2007-09-13 05:51:37 · 6 answers · asked by Courtney G 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you are still covered by the engine warranty have the shop that performed the work deal with it. If the warranty is expired ,take it to a reputable shop. They should give you a free estimate. It sounds like you have a coolant leak (sweet smell). I would do it soon so you don't damage the engine by overheating it. You should also check the coolant level. It is probably low (coolant light on). Do not , as suggested by the previous poster, add any of the canned addatives like aluma seal or the like. They are a waste of money and can clog your cooling system causing more damage. If it needs to be repaired, do it right, not whatever is cheapest.
2007-09-13 06:02:38 · answer #1 · answered by Otto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my best guess is that the "sweet smell" is from coolant getting onto the hot motor. The squeeky belt also sounds like coolant getting onto the belt. The low coolant light is also a clue. You have a small coolant leak somewhere. You need to have it checked to prevent burning up a motor. Look for the coolant when the engine is warmed up. you should be able to see it around the water pump, or off the radiator. But sometimes those little leaks can hide pretty well. Try adding a can of "aluma seal" which can be found at most auto parts stores. don't use "bronzeseal" it doesn't work as well. After you add it to a cold radiator,drive the car for about 20-30 minutes. This stuff works really good to stop small leaks in the radiator. BUT, it won't stop leaks in other places. Make sure, with a cold motor, that you add the proper amount of coolant everyday until you can get it into the shop to get it fixed. Good luck.
2007-09-13 13:01:16 · answer #2 · answered by randy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well if you want to do it yourself,you could go to an Auto Zone or Advanced Auto places and always rent a pressure tester out. Your coolant light might be on just because it is low on coolant. With your engine cold check the fluid level and make sure it is full. Remove the radiator pressure cap and hook up the pressure tester on to it. You should be able to pump the system up to the pressure your cap has on it(standard is usually a 12-15lb cap). There should be a gauge on the tester which will tell you how much you pumped in and you can see if you are losing pressure. While under pressure,that is when you start looking to see if anything is leaking. If nothing at all,there is a weep hole on the bottom of the water pump. I had a truck do the same thing and it wouldn't do it until it got hot and then it weeped out onto the belt. If it comes from there you probably would need a new water pump and belt,that's what I had to do. Sorry so long but I would also look at if you have a warranty yet too.
2007-09-13 13:24:36 · answer #3 · answered by crashjr1978 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like a leak in your cooling system leaking on a belt, hence the squeak sound. Do a visual check of the water pump, hoses etc. Check to see if you still have a warranty on the new engine!
2007-09-13 12:59:16 · answer #4 · answered by John 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When they replace the engine, it's JUST the engine. Water pump, hoses, belts, Etc. are the same. Pump and/or hoses could be bad and leaking on belts, "Squealing and sweet smoke"
2007-09-14 05:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by sidecar0 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds (smells) like your water pump is leaking on the belt. It may be slow for now BUT it will get worse.
2007-09-13 12:57:51 · answer #6 · answered by Lab 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋