Smell of coolant in 308 cockpit

I bought my 84QV a few months ago, and I experience the same sort of thing, however, it seems to be random.
It was at LFSC for another issue, they gave it the once over, did not find anything wrong.
I'd love it if we could get to the bottom of it.

 

Could it be on those sharp turns, that some coolant escapes from the small coolant tank near the left side of the engine? Either through the overflow hose or the cap itself? Seems if there is enough load laterally, then the coolant would be forced to one side of the tank and possibly overflow.

When the engine is hot, more coolant will be in the tank and closer to the top

 

Doc, after a long run, open the bleeder valve on the rad and let out the air. You'll be amazed at how much air gets into the system, especially after a long or hard drive.

 

It could be a leak in your heater core.

 

Buy some floresent dye used to detect water leaks from the local parts store, along with a black light. After a good drive, with water reaching opoerating temp, park in very dark place a turn on the black light.

You will see every leak, drip and pin-prick size dropplet in beautiful bright green!!

 

Howdy,
If you were running the heat during these runs (I bet you were) there could be a small leak where the hoses are clamped to the diverter (?)valves under the fiberglass cover that surrounds the spare tire. It's easy to remove that cover (a few screws, and the rubber seal) and check the connections. I had mine off a few weeks ago and there was evidence of dried coolant at the hose clamps so I tightened them and cleaned it up. Either way, it's good to have that cover off and check on all the cables, hoses, electrical stuff under there. While you are there, go ahead and lubricate all those moving parts associated with the heat.
Also, make sure none of the hoses (coolant, vacumn, etc.) are rubbing anything and wearing through.

 

Frank is correct. That's what it is.

 

Heater core or heater valve that lets the water enter the exchanger. Had this happen on a 246GT and it was the valve. But both are possibilities.

 

It's been a while but I think I can point you in the right direction.

The heater cores are located in the front trunk area. There are two of them. One for the left side and one for the right side. Strarting from the front, either side, are the fans, then some duct work leading to the heater cores. The are square boxes roughly 6"X6"x6". To access them you either have to remove the wheel, then the fender shrouding or there is an access plate under the car. Can't quite remember how to get to them.

The valve that diverts water to the cores (and there is only one) is located in the front trunk compartment behind some felt covered fiberglass that hides the wipers, etc. It is fairly easy to remove. Just some screws.

I would start there and make sure the valve is not leaking.

If OK, I would move on to the heater cores.

 

I had this same problem a couple of months ago.. I would come to a stop and smell coolant. I could never find any of it leaking on the ground or in the car. After a month of driving like that, it got worse. I had pulled the car into my garage and noticed steam coming from the rear engine area. I shut the car off and popped the trunk. I noticed it was comming from the water pump and dripping on the exhaust manifold.

I took it in and it was the water pump. Got it fixed and that solved the problem. So, it could be anything, even a leaky hose dripping on the exhaust manifold very slightly...