I smell anti-freeze
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I smell anti-freeze
2002 XJ Sport
29,000 miles
The other day when I was driving the vehicle, I noticed a faint scent of anti-freeze when I can to a stop at the end of an exit ramp. I didn't smell it while driving , but only when I stopped. I couldn't check the coolant level while it was hot, so I waited until the next morning and it was pretty low. I think I poored in about 1/2 gallon to top it off. I just purchased the vehicle, so I don't know how long it has been low, or how fast it dropped to that level. As I continue to drive the vehicle I still notice this scent. I thought perhaps I had spilled some while filling it up, but I am fairly confident that I did not.
There are NO puddles on the ground under the vehicle.
My question...
Are there any known trouble spots on the Jag coolant system? I don't want to crawl all around under the hood, when I could have just check "location X" right off the bat. So far I can't seem to find a leak (either liquid or steam).
As I keep looking...eventually I will break down and take it in, but at the moment it is our 3rd vehicle, so it isn't a top priority. The vehicle that the jag is replacing is sold and will be picked up in a couple days, so I need to start getting to the bottom of this issue.
Thanks!
29,000 miles
The other day when I was driving the vehicle, I noticed a faint scent of anti-freeze when I can to a stop at the end of an exit ramp. I didn't smell it while driving , but only when I stopped. I couldn't check the coolant level while it was hot, so I waited until the next morning and it was pretty low. I think I poored in about 1/2 gallon to top it off. I just purchased the vehicle, so I don't know how long it has been low, or how fast it dropped to that level. As I continue to drive the vehicle I still notice this scent. I thought perhaps I had spilled some while filling it up, but I am fairly confident that I did not.
There are NO puddles on the ground under the vehicle.
My question...
Are there any known trouble spots on the Jag coolant system? I don't want to crawl all around under the hood, when I could have just check "location X" right off the bat. So far I can't seem to find a leak (either liquid or steam).
As I keep looking...eventually I will break down and take it in, but at the moment it is our 3rd vehicle, so it isn't a top priority. The vehicle that the jag is replacing is sold and will be picked up in a couple days, so I need to start getting to the bottom of this issue.
Thanks!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 89
From: 33498
RE: I smell anti-freeze
If coolant was low and you smelled it, definitly a leak somewhere. It may not leak unless under pressure.
A local shop should be able to pressure test it for not much money. Some for free.
The coolant hose that goes to the thermostat pops off when thermostat sticks.
Water pump leaks out of the weep hole on top. If left hand drive, stand on drivers side looking down at water pump. Weep hole is on top, drivers side behind pulley. You may have to remove drivers side engine cover.
Plastic bleed hose that goes to thermostat housing may leak where rubber hose goes onto thermostat housing.
Really too many places to mention. Not the best designed cooling system on the planet. If you are not comfortable getting under there, take it to a shop soon. I have seen to many of them with blown motors due to neglected coolant leaks.
A local shop should be able to pressure test it for not much money. Some for free.
The coolant hose that goes to the thermostat pops off when thermostat sticks.
Water pump leaks out of the weep hole on top. If left hand drive, stand on drivers side looking down at water pump. Weep hole is on top, drivers side behind pulley. You may have to remove drivers side engine cover.
Plastic bleed hose that goes to thermostat housing may leak where rubber hose goes onto thermostat housing.
Really too many places to mention. Not the best designed cooling system on the planet. If you are not comfortable getting under there, take it to a shop soon. I have seen to many of them with blown motors due to neglected coolant leaks.
Guest
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RE: I smell anti-freeze
From personal experience, if you don't see an obvious leak anywhere, check around the base of the thermostat housing (that black plastic thing with a bunch of hoses running into it) sitting on top of the engine at the front. There are a couple of depressions in the engine block right beneath it. If you see coolant in them, you probably have either a failed housing seal or a cracked housing. If that's it the job is doable. I'm a decent (but far from master) mechanic and I was able to do the job myself.
Guest
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RE: I smell anti-freeze
My 2002 Vandan Plas also smells of anti-freeze when it is parked. I have ben checking if there is a anti freeze leak, but so far I have found no leaks. However I do have to add a quart of anti-freeze every month or so. Let me know if you find some leak in your jag. I am start looking around the engine compartment to see if I can spot any place where it might be leaking
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