That Sweet Sweet Smell

[JustDoWhatYouDo]

Back in September 24 I bought a 2007 kj with 127k miles. Two weeks after the purchase the radiator blew. I was on my way to work and ended up limping it to a repair shop by using what was left in my coolant jug from the back as well as stopping to add bottled water from my lunchbox. The repair shop told me it had blown from the side of the radiator. I did not get to see the old radiator I only looked to see that I actually got a new one when they did the repairs. For $724 I wanted to be certain it was in fact new. This jeep hasn't shown any signs of anymore problems other than I do have to add coolant pretty consistently about once every few weeks. (Driving approx 80 miles a day give or take) This is where my question comes into play. Months have passed since the replacement and I can still smell coolant outside the cabin. Not inside. It's usually after work and rarely when I have to warm it up in the mornings when it's cold. I want to believe it's just what has been sprayed over the engine bay and what I'm smelling is that residue being warmed up with the motor. The plan is to not drive it until the weather breaks, and then clean the bay out with a pressure washer and see if there is a noticeable difference if any difference at all. With having to add coolant every couple weeks and this snell being still rather potent 5 months later, could it be a leak somewhere else?? This is an introductory thread as well as a help me if you have any positive insight. Also, I did not smell the coolant before we made the purchase I looked over the motor for wesr and tesr and the frame for rust. Any input will help and I will update once i wash out the bay.

 

[KJowner]

100% it's still leaking somewhere.
Get bright light and inspect the whole cooling system, there should be an obvious wet patch or a buildup of coolant coloured scale somewhere that will give you a good idea where it's going. A hot engine is best because it pressures the cooling system so it should actually be leaking as you look at it.

 

[JustDoWhatYouDo]

100% it's still leaking somewhere.
Get bright light and inspect the whole cooling system, there should be an obvious wet patch or a buildup of coolant coloured scale somewhere that will give you a good idea where it's going. A hot engine is best because it pressures the cooling system so it should actually be leaking as you look at it.

Thank you, I will try this next.

 

[Shankster]

You might try replacing the cap on your coolant reservoir tank. I bought an aftermarket one and it either didn't seal properly or the release pressure was too low so it caused my coolant to boil and I would loose coolant without any apparent leaks. Replacing it with Mopar one solved the problem. If yours is old it might be time to replace it anyway.

You could also call the shop that did the rad replacement and tell them what's going on - they might offer to do a leak test for you to see if there is an external leak.

I hate to mention it but if it overheated there could be some head gasket damage and might be leaking there.

 

[JustDoWhatYouDo]

I've been reading up on the common issue and read where the head gaskets may have been damaged in the process of overheating. I'm hoping this wasn't the case. I didn't think to ask the repair shop about another review that's a good idea. I'll clean everything off in the coming weeks and inspect for a leak of any kind. Instead of buying the pressure test first I'll call the shop and see if they're willing to take a look at it after work for a reasonable fee. If the fee is more than reasonable I'll buy the tester from the LAPS and see if I can find the issue. Thank you for the reply.