What would make my van smell like antifreeze?

HEIDIDELORME

MEMBER
1999 DODGE CARAVAN
177 MILES

And steam only once steamed, and have a clear oily substance coming from radiator?

My van smells like antifreeze and steamed once, there is also a clear oily substance coming from the bottom of my radiator and there is a squealing noise coming from under hood

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The oily substance don't bode well. The overheating could have damaged the engine head gaskets allowing engine oil to get to the cooling system. You would need a test to confirm.

The coolant smell means there is a leak somewhere with your cooling system.

As to the noise, you need to locate the source of it to understand what is causing it.

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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 6:17 PM

HEIDIDELORME

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It did not over heat just steamed one time and the oily substance happen before the steam ever happend. And I think the noise is from belt fan belt

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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 6:31 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Where did the steam come from if it did not overheat?

A loose belt would definitely squeal.

You need to check for leaks, test the engine for a bad head gasket and locate the source of coolant leaking.

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Monday, October 1st, 2012 AT 7:00 PM