Ive had most of my coolant system replaced but there is a major smell of hot coolant around the expansion tank area. I've looked everywhere and finally found the faintest leak around the main host under the tank. I can't believe this small drop can cause such a smell.
I've ordered a new tank but my gut says its more than that. It's the original tank so I know they're prone to failing.
This is the last issue I have at this point and it's driving me insane!!!! Should I be looking at any other hoses or clamps in that area that I may not be ale to see easily!!
HELP!!!!

 

When I changed mine for the same issue, I also changed the clamps on the hoses connected to the expansion tank. The hoses were OK, but the OEM clamps no longer held tight. Two 59 cent hose clamps from AutoZone and all was good again.

 

On my car, one of the short pieces of rubber hoses connecting to the tank, had developed a small leak. It was a very slow leak, occasionally dripping coolant onto the hot exhaust. It made a terrible stink, for such a small leak. The repair was easily and cheaply done with a 2" piece of hose and 2 aftermarket worm clamps. I think it cost $1.50 and 10 minutes of my time to fix. Oh, and I topped off the tank with coolant. The coolant level sensor works well and is pretty sensitive to being even an inch or so low. If this is your problem, be safe and attempt the repair on a cool engine, so there is no chance of being scalded.

Cheers!

Jon

 

Something to look at is the plastic three-way connector that one end of the bottom hose from the expansion tank goes to down where the large hose comes out from under the intake below the throttle body. I just replaced it in my '01 XKR as it was cracked and leaking. The part number is JA NNE3944BA. That might be the problem.

Regards,
Bill

2000 XKR Coupe
2001 XKR Coupe
2002 XK8 Coupe
2002 XKR 100 Coupe
2002 XJR 100

 

Thanks for the heads up. I think that was already replaced and it was leaking. Thought we had it fixed but now a new leak has started in the same general area. I've checked all the hoses and can't find any residue except on main bottom hose under expansion tank. That's where I found the pin head size drop of coolant, right above hose. And directly under it the manifold has a redish color but could be rust. Can't be sure.

 

I got the same smell and learned mine just went south after replacing some coolant lines. I think when the lines are removed from the tank, this may stress the plastic, possibly leading to a leak when the car is driven and pressure builds. Considering the age of these cars and the weakened plastic it might be a good idea to replace the tank at the same time the heater hoses connected to it are removed.

 

Hey Phil, I had the same symptom. Take a good look at the plastic fitting that connects the octopus hose to the engine coolant hose... its on the l/h side of the engine., toward the rear of the engine and above the l/h cat. These plastic fittings rot away and begin to leak. I made a replacement out of brass, let me know if this is your problem... I can walk you through making one.

 

If this is the three way plastic fitting, it was changed due to leaking. Looks to be holding.

 

Mine crapped out; got it replaced easily. Part cost about $206 from partsgeek.com