Anti freeze smell

MMMTSCH

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI GALANT
93,500 MILES

I have been smelling anti-freeze after driving the car. Recently it started to over heat and there was a crack found at the top of the radiator by the cap. That has been replaced and the overflow tank was filled back to correct level. I am still smelling anti-freeze and just today I checked under the hood. I found that the overflow level has dropped so I am still thinking I have a leak somewhere. The radiator cap was replaced last year. Looking for some help

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

What you need to do is this. Go to a parts store and ask them for a hand pump to pressure test your cooling system. Take the car home and allow it to cool down. Once the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and install the hand held pump from the parts store and pressurize the system. Then you can check for leaks. NOTE: There is a heater core in the vehicle that can leak too. If you can't find the leak, then purchase a dye for cooling systems. Follow the directions and drive the car. Under a black light, the dye will glow from the leak.

Please keep in mind that the over flow may have been a little low just because when the system was filled, there could have been air pockets that escape when you drive the car. As a result, the system draws from the over flow. Refill it and then check it after driving it again to see if it continues to go low. If it does, then I would say there is a leak or other issue.