Coolant smell

[jman_07]

Stil stumped by an annoying coolant smell you can smell it everytime you drive this explorer. We cannot find a leak anywhere and there is no drips whatsoever. But its a very strong smell. Its coming off the engine somewhere. Help anyone???

2001 XLT 4.0SOHC 4WD.

 

[Tbars4]

..check your carpet on the passenger side...and even if it's not wet, check your heater core...

 

[Silver X]

Mine stunk like coolant for almost a year, but same as you I couldn't find any leaks. Turns out it was leaking from the bottom of the thermostat housing. The coolant would evaporate as soon as the engine warmed up, so I couldn't see where it was coming from. The crack in the housing eventually opened enough to leave visible puddling in the valley under the intake manifold.

 

[VinnieBoombots]

I had this problem about 2 years ago. Could not figure out where it was coming from. Finally an old timer at the dealer in San Diego discovered a leak at the rear of the engine near the top. Some sort of rear seal. The fluid would dribble out, evaporate and never hit the ground. I would also be filling coolant all the time in the reservoir.

Fortunately, coolant had not leaked into the engine. This was at about 98-99K miles. As long as they were tearing things apart, a new timing chain went in and the cylinders were inspected. New seals, etc. It was not a cheap job, about $1400 as I recall.

I hope I don't jinx myself here, but she now has 118K miles on her and I just completed my 6th continental crossing (3000 miles). Runs great. Admittedly, I do baby her.