*Sniff sniff*. Is that gasoline I smell?

[Cranmaro99]

Ok great news!!! I found the problem, I think. It turns out that when I had my radiator replaced in January, the mechanic failed to put Teflon tape around the threads of the pipe that goes in the top and bottom of the left side of the radiator. This is causing tranny fluid to leak, which in turn is being blown on the intake manifold and burning, smelling like gasoline! So once this is fixed, this will stop. Now the question, is doing this hard? It seems like you're just wrapping tape around the threads and the hose connector, is it that simple or is there more?

My mechanic forgot to do the same thing when replacing my radiator! lol

 

[twanhines]

So this is old and I feel silly for replying to this. But I fixed the problem about a year ago. Turns out there is a purge valve solenoid thing in the front left fender of the truck. Some how that got cracked. And basically since its connected to the canister, gas fumes was escaping it and coming into the cabin. Bought the part at a junk yard for 5 dollars and replaced it, urika! Problem fixed. Thanks for all of your help back in 2010, i'm now out of college and still driving the explorer.

 

[koda2000]

My mechanic forgot to do the same thing when replacing my radiator! lol

FYI: you do not need to use Teflon tape on the trans cooler lines where they screw into the radiator. they are flared fittings and the threaded part plays no part in sealing the fittings, other than tightening the flared female part against the male part. they're just like brake lines - no sealant required. I see people do this all the time and it drives me crazy. Teflon tape is useful for pipe-thread (tapered) fittings.