Coolant Smell

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 12, 2020 | 09:44 AM

littlegram

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: NC

Coolant Smell

Hello - truck is a 97 f350. I have been smelling coolant in the cab when driving for over a year. I replaced the heater core but did not fix the smell. Seems to come from behind the glove box which is why I replaced the heater core. This morning when I started the truck I heard liquid gurgling behind the glove box for a few seconds. I have never had any leaks, no condensation the in cab, truck does not overheat, and entire coolant system was flushed about 1.5 years ago and is clean. Anyone know what else I could check?

Thank you

Aug 12, 2020 | 12:00 PM

sandymane

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 6,185

Likes: 633

From: Houston/Sugar Land

Gurgling in the cab, in my experience, has always been the heater core. It is highly possible you have a defective one. It is certainly not uncommon to get bad parts from off shore anymore. You can always make sure all your connections are secure but I think you will end up replacing it. Sandy

Aug 12, 2020 | 12:08 PM

littlegram

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: NC

Appreciate it. I will check connections and possibly replace core again. Like your photo - I was in the 82nd from 95-98.

Aug 12, 2020 | 12:15 PM

sandymane

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 6,185

Likes: 633

From: Houston/Sugar Land

Nice to meet you brother. 62-65 for me. Benning was C119's Bragg was C123's C130's and C124 Globe masters. "All the Way" Sandy

Aug 12, 2020 | 12:21 PM

littlegram

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: NC

Likewise - c130's and c141's for me.

Aug 12, 2020 | 11:41 PM

Scndsin

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 12,345

Likes: 1,319

From: Central Mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlegram

Hello - truck is a 97 f350. I have been smelling coolant in the cab when driving for over a year...

What engine? All the small blocks (particularly 5.8s) have issues with waterpump to timing cover leaks that puddle as shown below.

It leaks, stinks, boils off & you never see a wet spot & your coolant mysteriously disappears.

No reports on 7.5s or diesels, but worth a look.