Coolant smell inside, 1993 SHO

[bluetwistedsteel]

I am the original owner of 1993 SHO automatic with all options. It has recently developed a slight coolant smell on the inside. I had the low coolant light come on and I added some a while back. No light since. Just curious if anyone had any trouble shooting recommendations. Thx....BTS

 

[qiksho]

The Taurus Line is notorious for bad heater core's. I had to replace one in my 89. Its a $40 dollar part, but takes 6-8 hours to install. If I remember right the shop in town wanted $500 bucks to install it.

I think this is the only coolant line that goes into the cab/dash of the car. If you have mist, coolant smell with your defrost on.

If you don't need heat you can bypass this under the hood.

 

[projectSHO89]

Actually, the heater cores aren't notorious for leaking or for failure, the heater hose connections under the hood are though.

Inspect them with a mirror and flashlight while under pressure. Look for any evidence that coolant is leaking and getting into the hole in the firewall.

If those connections are completely dry, look for coolant dripping from the AC condensate drain. If there is any, coolant is leaking from the core.

Also, it is possible to smell coolant in passenger compartment when the leak is anywhere under the hood since the HVAC system draws outside air through the cowling on the passenger side of the car.

Best bet is to pick up a pressure tester from AutoZone (AZ9300, $75 deposit) and pressure test the system. There are many potential sources for leaks in the plumbing.

Steve

 

[SW SHO]

I agree with projectsho89, get it pressure tested first.

You might have, as I did, a cracked hose feeding under the Throttle Body. I wished I had done the pressure test prior to changing about every hose before finding it.

I too had smells coming in the cab, due in part to the coolant dripping on the hot block/tranny and finding it's way in the cab.

Let us know if you've solved it.

 

[mikiedreb]

Coolant leaking from the water pump and dripping down onto the hot exhaust pipe smells pretty badly also.... Doesn't leave any visible marks on the ground either.

Mike
92MTX

<small>[ April 14, 2003, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: mikiedreb ]</small>

 

[Emerald94]

My hoses were also leaking (just loose) and the leak found its way to the y-pipe and produced a lovely aroma! A quick tightening of the hose clamps fixed the problem.