coolant smell

schlegle1 · November 27, 2014

Hey all, i was wondering if anyone has had a complaint of a quite potent coolant smell coming from the truck after it has been parked from driving? I do not see any leaks and the overflow tank seems to be full as it should all of the time. I have noticed this several times since i got the truck and have mentioned it to the dealer several times but every time they deem it as "no problem found"…I was just curious if anyone has had a similar experience or issue with their truck? (2014 Silverado z71 4x4)

Thanks!

chuckl1218 · November 27, 2014

I remember reading something about a heater core issue that was like you describe. There was no apparent leak, but smelled. I think it also caused fogging windows when using defrost mode. Might want to search for heater core issues.

schlegle1 · November 28, 2014

ill have to check into it, because come to think of it i have noticed my windows to fog up on the sides when trying to use the defrost recently. My heat also, in my opinion, sucks in my truck.

schlegle1 · November 28, 2014

bump.

Pb_Foot · December 10, 2014

I have noticed it as well, all summer, fall, and now winter. Funny enough I used to blame everyone else. Sitting at the light with my window, hey I wonder if that guy knows he has a coolant leak or following behind someone and catching a whiff. Pretty soon I thought, there sure are a lot of people with coolant leaks and then I would notice it as I walked past the front of my truck. I have taken the truck to the dealer to be looked at and told they couldn't find anything. The last time they added dye and still nothing. This week I looked with a flashlight thinking I may see something with it being so cold out. Low and behold I think I found it. It is located on the backside of the radiator towards the top of passenger side. It is oozing and evaporating so there are no puddles but looks like a gooey mess. I will see if I can grab some pictures tomorrow.

nards444 · December 10, 2014

my old ford powerstrokes did the same thing. It was the heater core. Brought it in a few times, and I guess it was normal. Might be the samething I dont know.

Jsb55 · December 10, 2014

Mine does the same thing occasionally. I can't smell it when driving , only when I get out of the truck. Also if it's very damp or raining it steams a little for a minute after shutting it off.

schlegle1 · December 11, 2014

my truck is currently at the dealership, i told them to keep it until they figured it out. However i have a feeling that it will be a "no problem found" which i really hope doesn't happen. As i feel its going to be an issue that low and behold shows up as soon as my bumper to bumper is up. I have noticed its gotten quite worse over the winter months and I've noticed a few times when i park at night and walk by the passengers front i can see steam coming from there and the smell is quite potent. Id really like to get this figured out, some help from GM would be great!

nards444 · December 11, 2014

my truck is currently at the dealership, i told them to keep it until they figured it out. However i have a feeling that it will be a "no problem found" which i really hope doesn't happen. As i feel its going to be an issue that low and behold shows up as soon as my bumper to bumper is up. I have noticed its gotten quite worse over the winter months and I've noticed a few times when i park at night and walk by the passengers front i can see steam coming from there and the smell is quite potent. Id really like to get this figured out, some help from GM would be great!

air bubble in the coolant

Pb_Foot · December 11, 2014

This is the best picture I could come up with without removing the shroud. Passenger side, rear upper corner.

schlegle1 · December 12, 2014

This is the best picture I could come up with without removing the shroud. Passenger side, rear upper corner.

i don't see a pic?

Pb_Foot · December 12, 2014

i don't see a pic?

I tried doing it from the phone and it didn't work too well. In the picture you will see a hint of red. The leak appears to be above it is well but may not be as noticeable in the picture. I am interested to see if anyone else shows something similar. The truck goes back to the dealer on the 18th so I will post an update when I hear back from them.

robsieb · December 12, 2014

Just noticed mine started doing it in the last week or so. Smell it each time I get out of it and walk around the front. Can't seem to find the leak but the smell is strongest on the drivers side when you raise the hood. May pull a couple of pieces off of it this weekend to see if I can find it.

Spike-Z · December 13, 2014

Same here. Taking it in next Wednesday. Also, I needed to add coolant, the reserve was empty and the truck overheated for about 10 seconds before I shut it off. It is definitely leaking antifreeze... I can smell it from the outside, mostly on the driver side. I have the steam coming from the grill, driver side, but I cant see any visible leaks. Its either drinking it or its dripping somewhere I cant see.