overheating smell ?

[CHIP66]

HELP ! I have a 2008 silverado 6.0 with 45,000 miles I keep smelling hot antifreeze odor coolant temp guage never goes over 210 degrees no leaks or loss of coolant ! ANY SUGESTIONS?

[gmtech4]

yes ,look closer,,im not kidding either

 

pressure test,(have a garage do it unless you have the correct adaptor)check carpet passenger side front under HVAC htr box for moisture

 

Cooling System Leak Testing

 

Tools Required

 

 

•

J 24460-01 Cooling System Pressure Tester

 

 

 

•

J 42401 Radiator Cap/ Surge Tank Test Adapter

 

 

 

Caution: Under pressure, the temperature of the solution in the radiator can be considerably higher, without boiling. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot (pressure is high), will cause the solution to boil instantaneously, with explosive force. The solution will spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result. Flammable antifreeze, such as alcohol, is not recommended for use at any time. Flammable antifreeze could cause a serious fire.

 

 

 

 

 

Caution: In order to help avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and the radiator are hot. Scalding fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure if the cap is removed too soon.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Remove the pressure cap.

 

 

 

2. Test the operation of the pressure cap. Refer to

Pressure Cap Testing .

 

 

 

3. Wash the pressure cap mating surface with water.

 

 

 

 

4. Use the

J 24460-01 with the J 42401 in order to apply pressure to the cooling system.

 

 

 

Do not exceed the pressure cap rating.

 

 

 

5. The cooling system should hold the rated pressure for at least 2?minutes.

 

 

 

Observe the gauge for any pressure loss.

 

 

 

6. Repair any leaks as required.

 

 

[Zembonez]

It is fairly common for the water pumps on those trucks to seep. Some don't leak enough to drip, but the coolant seeping on a hot engine can certainly be smelly.

 

EDIT. I misread your post. I thought it said 2003, not 2008. Not sure if the water pump on yours is likely or not, but I'd have a really good look at it.

[travis73]

Not sure where you live but if you have been driving in salt somehow the heat from the exhaust heats the salt and it smells,it smells like paint burning off or plastic overheating.Mine was doing this today,a quick trip to the car wash usually cures this.