I noticed a few weeks ago that the X was running a little rich actually smelling very rich. Today I started the X up loaded the family in and could smell coolant and my husband also said it smelled rich. I noticed slight white smoke coming out the tailpipe. I shut the engine off and popped the hood to my surprise my coolant level was about 2 inches below minimum after it had been running for about 3-5 minutes. We added some water and headed out for a 100 mile round trip. Checked the coolant level and its perfect but I am still smelling the coolant. I do not see anything leaking anywhere. Are the X's common for this? Where should we start? We will do a chemical block test on Tuesday.

 

It's not normal. Smelling coolant in the cab usually means that it's leaking in a way that is picked up by the vents. Either a leak in the engine bay or a failing heater core. If your smelling it in the cab, then keep an eye on the carpet and windshield on the pass side, as well as the coolant temp.

 

Yes, exactly what ReAX said.

 

Just wanted to add, that if it's a leaking heater core you should see antifreeze where your condensate would drain and or steam blowing out the vents ( fog the windshield on inside with defrosters)

 

Have them pressure test the coolant system. This might show a leak. I hope it's something easy to repair.

 

Tiffany:

My guess is heater core, also. Had that problem on my 99 F-150 in 10/06. It was a Saturday, and my local dealer was not open. So I took it to Pep Boys. ~$1000.00 total; had it back same day. Is your's still iunder warranty?

Good luck with it, and post back results!!

 

Don, still under warranty till Saturday. We will be testing it tomorrow at my husbands work and if we find anything then I will take it to ford.

 

Thanks for all your advise, I will be checking it tomorrow and I will report back.

 

We did the block test and it came out fine. So tomorrow I will pick up a pressure tester to test the cooling system. So far the coolant level has stayed fine so who knows...

 

Sounds like your heading in the right direction. After you pressure test the cooling system, with the same tester, Test the radiator cap also.

 

Yes my husband planned on replacing the radiator cap as we noticed some corrosion on the cap. I really hope its just that! Can I get a cap at Kragen or do I need the Ford one?

 

You can pick one up anywhere, just be mindful of the pressure rating on the label.

 

Tiffany:

Any results as to what (if anything) was wrong?

 

Never did get around to doing the cooling syste, pressure test. The one my husband has doesnt have the correct attachments. He wasnt to concerned so I cant push him. haha I checked tonight and it is slowly still losing coolant. Soooo hubby thinks it could be an air pocket? I doubt it... he will take it in next week to flush it out and get the new cap and we will go from there.

Thanks for asking...

 

Air pockets get bigger as environment heats up, the volume of air it takes should be constant based on temps. If you check it cold, and check it cold again, the only reason for the fluid level to fall is because the air pocket is gone. If you have one of those prestone T flush kits, it should move enough water remove any air pockets. Plus the system should bleed naturally, it's not like the old LT1 engines with their reverse flow coolant system that took a process to bleed the air out.

The water has to be going somewhere. Once you change the cap, there shouldn't be anywhere for it to go. So something has to be wrong, warped head, bad hose, leaking heater core.