Uh oh...I smell antifreeze

[plance1]

My truck runs fine, the gauge shows the temperature is ok, the air blows cold yet when I get out of the truck I smell that sweet smell of antifreeze. Any suggestions?

 

[JohnnyO]

Most likely a crack in the radiator tank. They are plastic. Not repairable, need to get a new radiator. If you're lucky it is just a hose or the radiator cap. If your truck is an '02 and all those parts are original then that is a possibility. But if I were a betting man my money would be on the radiator.

 

[plance1]

Thanks....when I opened the hood I didn't see or hear anything so its frustrating.

 

[swshawaii]

Most likely the lower thermostat housing. I would bet almost half the 4.0 SOHC engines over 60K have had this failure.
Lower housing seams are sonically welded and known to split. Use a flashlight and mirror to inspect the rear carefully.

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Look around the engine for white or green crusty stuff, that's the antifreeze all dried up and it'll let you know where the leak is coming from.

I'm in the process of doing my T-Stat housing right now, it's easier and cheaper to get the complete housing assembly from rock auto. Makes the job alot more accessable by removing the alternator and complete bracket.

 

[doublerinnys]

Had the same problem here. When I would get out I could smell it also. Turned out to be my thermostat housing.