Ok so I havent had this problem with this truck yet so I dont remember what causes it. I own a 98 f-150 2x with the v-6 my heater wouldnt work right so I checked the coolant level. It was a little low. So i leveled it off. Now when I run the truck for any extended period of time, i smell antifreeze. No puddles or nothing. Just a smell.

 

Sounds like your heater core is going up.

 

Dad (long time Ford owner) Says it might a water pump. Cause I only smell it outside of the truck. No puddles. Dad says if it only leaks under pressure, (when I drive it often) the heat of the engine will evaporate the coolant leaving that "sweet smell" with no puddle any thoughts? Or should I bow gracefully and change the stinkin pump? lol (hes done this before lol)

 

You could always pressure test your system. That might show where your leak is coming from. You might be able to rent a pressure tester from your local auto parts store.

 

Thanks for the input Ill definately check before I buy parts

 

Coolant smell inside the cab is usually a heater core. Smelling it outside is a good thing, because the heater core is a PITA to change.

 

hi, is there a cloud behind the truck when running, coolant smell from the exaust. the 97/8 had problems with coolant entering the cylinders because of lower intake/timming case gasket failure. see the v6 forum for further help. good luck bokker.