Noob Question - Smell from Engine Bay

[ceyko]

Well I drove the car this morning and the smell is still present. Checked for leaks but nothing was found. The car still runs and drives the same.

Dumb question, but was it recently worked on and it could be residual burning off?

I remember working with a board member and driving my car home thinking it was F'ed - but just took about 100 miles for all the stuff to burn/drip and burn...etc.

Keep looking for leaks though, since that's more than likely it.

[neos281]

Look at the aluminum crossover on your intake.

going to check that now.

Dumb question, but was it recently worked on and it could be residual burning off?

I remember working with a board member and driving my car home thinking it was F'ed - but just took about 100 miles for all the stuff to burn/drip and burn...etc.

Keep looking for leaks though, since that's more than likely it.

Yeah, I believe the rods were replaced a few months back but I honestly don't have all the details. It does need a tune as it tends to go dead upon starting unless given gas however that hasn't happened since this issue with the coolant smell came up. I know that sounds odd but I'm hoping the car just has a minor leak.

[mustang87]

with engine running and operating temp, turn on defroster and see if inside windshield fogs up,if it does it's the heater core. Mine leaked but did not leak coolant on floorboard. Pressure testing will not show leaking heater core because the engine is not running and the hot water valve is closed. the only way you can test the heater core with a pressure test is to apply vac.to said valve.

[neos281]

with engine running and operating temp, turn on defroster and see if inside windshield fogs up,if it does it's the heater core. Mine leaked but did not leak coolant on floorboard. Pressure testing will not show leaking heater core because the engine is not running and the hot water valve is closed. the only way you can test the heater core with a pressure test is to apply vac.to said valve.

Gettin a pressure test at kwik kar by my house. I'll keep ya updated

[neos281]

Well, went up to Kwik Kar and they looked over the engine and saw no visible leaks. They completed a pressure test and nothing showed from that. Lastly, we started the car and let it run for 15 minutes and noticed the smell was very strong but still nothing visible at all. Any ideas?

[Snatch Napkin]

When the car is at operating temp, is your upper radiator hose hard or squishy?

If it's squishy, can you hear gurgling in your overflow when squeezing the hose?

[92calypso]

Check the oil, make sure u don't have a blown head gasket. If your oil and exhaust smells like burnt coolant, the head gasket is blown.

[neos281]

When the car is at operating temp, is your upper radiator hose hard or squishy?

If it's squishy, can you hear gurgling in your overflow when squeezing the hose?

The radiator hose is somewhat firm but squishy I guess. There is gurgling in the overflow when squeezed.

Check the oil, make sure u don't have a blown head gasket. If your oil and exhaust smells like burnt coolant, the head gasket is blown.

I checked oil and exhaust and both smell as they should. I didn't detect any coolant smells.

[Snatch Napkin]

Then those guys suck at a pressure test.

Get a new radiator cap.

[neos281]

Just got back from Dallas Mustang to get a second opinion and they agreed that there aren't any signs showing that there is an issue even though you can clearly smell coolant. My friend seems to think it's a heater core leak but still hard to tell.

[Snatch Napkin]

Did anyone check your cap?

See if there are any signs of moisture coming out of your overflow tank.

[TEAMJACOB]

Do the defrist test.

[TEAMJACOB]

Do the defrost test.

[Vertnut]

Can you not tell if the coolant level is dropping or not? I've had a water "seep" before and a radiator leaking at a seam, and it took me forever to find them.

[juiceweezl]

Did anyone check your cap?

See if there are any signs of moisture coming out of your overflow tank.

So owning a 2V myself and dealing with coolant issues before, I'd read both of SN's posts. They're the most relevant yet in this thread. Start there since you've had someone look at it. 3 drops of coolant in the bay being inhaled into the inside of the car and smell like a gallon spilled on the seat.