smelling antifreeze

[jonafer]

2000 explorer 4.0l ohv 4x4 When I have been driving for a couple hours then stop I can smell antifreeze out side the vehicle. I have to put about half a pint in the system every month or so. I have no visible leaks. Any thoughts?

 

[JDraper]

Could be a very small leak from the radiator that is vaporizing as it escapes.

Where exactly do you smell the antifreeze from? Engine compartment? Rear of vehicle?

 

[jonafer]

How could I tell? I smell it from the engine compartment. Front of the truck.

 

[Wrench]

On a couple of 4.0L OHV engines I have discovered a small leak that seeps from the timing chain cover where the water passages travels from the block , thru the timing cover and then to the water pump. If you look up from underneath the truck at the timing chain cover on either side (half way up) you may see a stain where the coolant has been weeping out. I could never see any signs of coolant on the floor or any drips, just the smell of coolant as it evaporated away quickly when engine cooling down. Had to replace timing chain cover gasket to solve leak.