coolant odor

96-ranger · #1 12-18-2014, 06:46 PM

First post please bear with me. For the past 2 months every time I shut the truck off and get out of the cab I smell coolant. Do not smell it in the cab. I have probably added more than a quart in past 2 months. I have never seen any vapors in the engine compartment from a leak. Changed oil and no coolant in there. Temp gauge runs ~ 1/4 to 1/3. Had the garage look at it and they could not find any leak. Any ideas? Thanks Gary

cowboybilly9mile · #2 12-18-2014, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96-ranger

....... Any ideas? Thanks Gary

Not a single one. Um, really. Hey.....have you tried the search function here?

limited1 · #3 12-18-2014, 07:24 PM

Have the same and would suggest checking the coolant reservoir, see that it didn't start cracking like my did around the cap.

96-ranger · #4 01-03-2015, 07:19 AM

Since my last post I have had to refill the overflow tank again. The smell seems stronger under the hood on the passengers side. I don't see any signs of a leak. Checked the radiator for bubbles while engine running but did not see any. I did install a need radiator cap but that does not seem to be the problem.

Jswifto · #5 01-03-2015, 08:34 AM

Probably the intake gasket is leaking in the passenger side rear. You might be able to see it with a flashlight and mirror.

96-ranger · #6 01-03-2015, 10:50 AM

Any idea if it would be the upper or lower intake gasket?

thanks

Jswifto · #7 01-03-2015, 04:13 PM

Lower gasket

billkater · #8 01-05-2015, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96-ranger

First post please bear with me. For the past 2 months every time I shut the truck off and get out of the cab I smell coolant. Do not smell it in the cab. I have probably added more than a quart in past 2 months. I have never seen any vapors in the engine compartment from a leak. Changed oil and no coolant in there. Temp gauge runs ~ 1/4 to 1/3. Had the garage look at it and they could not find any leak. Any ideas? Thanks Gary

My first guess would be the heater control valve. My Ranger leaks from it. Replaced twice and still leaks.

96-ranger · #9 01-18-2015, 05:03 AM

In the past 2 weeks I've noticed a little coolant around the seam of this valve where the hoses connect so that is next on the list to replace. Because of the small amount I see there plus I don't have anything dripping from the valve I doubt it if that is where I'm losing the volume of coolant I am. But thanks again for the suggestion, it's a start Gary

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I am leaning towards the intake gasket, but I can not see any signs of a leak back there. Then again I guess if it's just being sucked into the intake and burned I would not see anything, but would there still be such a strong smell under the hood? thanks Gary