Weird smell when I park the TA in the garage

**cammed goat** · 05-24-2012, 06:48 PM

Test it and let us know if you find anything.

**Smittro** · 05-24-2012, 07:42 PM

The only way it could get dirrectly into the exhaust alone would be if a head has a crack in it running along/across/or into a water jacket.

A failing head gasket in the begining stages of its failure can weep some which would eventually turn into a full blown problem if it is starting to leak.

One of the first signs would be a raised idle or slightly raised idle when hot, then as the problem progresses,

misfire, and a fogging from the exhaust if it's really severe.

You may also notice a slight surge here and there if the leak is'nt overly severe when the engine comes under a load or hard sustained excelleration/load.

A small/slight head gasket leak is bad in other ways also, such as it could have an etching effect on the cylinder head, piston,

(I have seen holes etched right through pistons b4), and ring failure under worse cases.

With all that said don't get spooked just yet, as I was sayin' before have a buddy help you and tach her up a little while you search.

Bad clamps, even a tiny pin hole in a hose, sometimes won't show up until the system is hot and/or under pump pressure.

Check your heater core connections and hoses for leaks.

A tell tale sign of a coolant leak that is burning off or drying up will be a stark white trail on say your exhaust mani, crossover pipe, etc.

**JayTA98** · 05-31-2012, 12:00 PM

Question. I want to disconnect the hoses to isolate the heater core. can I just disconnect them at the water pump and cap the water pump? Or would I need a piece of hose connected to the outlets of the pump? I want to see if my problem lies in the heater core lines.

**Smittro** · 05-31-2012, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

Question. I want to disconnect the hoses to isolate the heater core. can I just disconnect them at the water pump and cap the water pump? Or would I need a piece of hose connected to the outlets of the pump? I want to see if my problem lies in the heater core lines.

If you have rubber caps that fit good I'd say use them, or just block off the hoses.

It will be tons less messy.

**JayTA98** · 05-31-2012, 07:11 PM

it won't affect the circulation of the cooling system? I have caps that fit. It's summer here so I dont need the heater at the moment.

**Smittro** · 05-31-2012, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

it won't affect the circulation of the cooling system? I have caps that fit. It's summer here so I dont need the heater at the moment.

Oh,,,whoa,, you wanna disconnect it..

Ya you definetly want to loop the system.. My bad..

**JayTA98** · 06-02-2012, 02:16 PM

that's what i was thinking. Ok thanks.

**cammed goat** · 06-02-2012, 06:33 PM

So, you want to find out if you're leaking coolant at the heater core?

**JayTA98** · 06-02-2012, 07:57 PM

There is nothing visible. I haven't disconnected it since I need a piece of hose to loop it. The hoses are different sizes so I will have to make something up. I did check all around with the engine running after an hour trip from the highway. Nothing visible either. I have to do the oil change tomorrow so I will grab a new cap and Tstat. I will try the cap 1st.

**cammed goat** · 06-02-2012, 08:27 PM

Okay. Let us know how you make out.

**JayTA98** · 06-11-2012, 07:44 AM

ok i put a new cap a few days ago. I haven't noticed the level going down. I have not drove far to get the engine very hot. I will keep an eye and if it drops then I will install the bypass. Actually I can also get a couple of caps, install them by the water pump and pressure test the system. If the pressure holds i know is the heater core and/or hoses.

**cammed goat** · 06-11-2012, 02:41 PM

Okay.

**JayTA98** · 06-24-2012, 06:41 PM

update. Well I have only replaced the cap with a autozone cheap one about 2 weeks ago. Everytime I checked the radiator the level is normal. Not calling it a win yet but is looking better. If the GM cap is bad it will be the last time I buy from GM unless is the last choice. i paid $15 bucks for their brand new cap and so far it appears to be bad.

**cammed goat** · 06-25-2012, 02:52 PM

Okay. Keep us posted. Could be a cheapo cap like those cheapo E-core filters being sold in stores and dealerships. Low quality, cheap parts that really don't measure up to the older, better quality parts of the original.

**JayTA98** · 07-11-2012, 06:54 AM

Update: Well radiator level hass been normal all this time. I'm going to say my leak was the loose clamps and once I fix it them it was the brand new GM radiator cap. I have to pull out the low coolant sensor and clean it up.