What would make my van smell like antifreeze?

1999 DODGE CARAVAN
177 MILES
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HEIDIDELORME
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  • 2 POSTS
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
Oct 1, 2012 at 10:51 AM
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KHLOW2008
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  • 41,812 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.
Oct 1, 2012 at 11:17 AM
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HEIDIDELORME
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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
Oct 1, 2012 at 11:31 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 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.
Oct 1, 2012 at 12:00 PM
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