1988 Ford E-Series Van feel heat and smell unknown odor top

1988 FORD E-SERIES VAN
10,327 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MRSMTH
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Notice heat and a smell, not like burning oil or rubber,
coming from right upper area of engine, noticeable thru the grill.
Checked: radiator full, fluid green. Overflow just a tad low. refilled this. Heat gauge not higher than usual.
Oil a bit dirty altho changed less than 500 miles ago, last year. Under van, wiped with pper towels, can't find any drips of oil, tranny, or any fluid.

Serpentine belt seems taut, no nicks or fraying. Was replaced in 2004. Van driven only 2K mi since then.
Had complete tune up last year, new sparks, plugs, rotor. Throttle was checked.

New fuel pumps and filters last year.
New calipers, flushed brake system, serviced differential Sept 2009. Checked rear end fluid and wheel bearing repack then. New tranny fluid.

what else could cause heat/odor?

One mechanic we don't trust (overcharges) Sept 2009 said we need Valve cover gasket set, wanted
$664. We declined this service, have not seen smoke
or noticed any unusual heat till now, Aug 2010.

appreciate any suggestions for possible sources of heat/odor!
Aug 10, 2010 at 1:09 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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Do a cooling system pressure test, this will reveal any pinholes in the radiator. May not be large enough to be loosing coolant, but may give off some warning wisps of steam. If valve covers were the problem, you would see oil and see it burning off... Autozone will loaner this tool to you.
Aug 10, 2010 at 3:02 PM
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MERLIN2021
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We do not answer by email, we post reply right here.
Aug 10, 2010 at 5:59 PM
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MRSMTH
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tried to find a way to vote for you.by clicking Give Feedback, then later clicked Votes..but get blue screen saying that info is not given out...

thanks anyway. Have already donated, will try to add a bit more...
Aug 11, 2010 at 3:36 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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Have you found the source yet? Just click on the actual number of votes and you should be able to give point(s)?
Thanks!
Aug 12, 2010 at 1:28 PM
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