Coolant Smell

[thkbaron]

This has been discussed before and I just emailed RAMCARES today to see if I can get an answer. Mine smells of coolant quite often after a trip of 5 miles or more. My dad's ram 2500 is the same way. Zero evidence of leaks. I know there's a lot of people that have this issue. Kind of curious to see if any one in the Power Wagon section has this problem solved. I'll post any answers I can get in this thread.

 

[olyelr]

I an curious what you come up with. Mine has the same issue...coolant smell, no visible leaks, and no real loss of coolant.

 

[ScLeCo]

Heater core, maybe a leak in the hose/pipes.

 

[Trailmaker]

This has been discussed before and I just emailed RAMCARES today to see if I can get an answer. Mine smells of coolant quite often after a trip of 5 miles or more. My dad's ram 2500 is the same way. Zero evidence of leaks. I know there's a lot of people that have this issue. Kind of curious to see if any one in the Power Wagon section has this problem solved. I'll post any answers I can get in this thread.

The 6.4 has a coolant vent. Check the HD section and you will find a lot of conversation about it.

 

[Westwind1124a]

Yup. Mine too. notice the smell mostly when I pull into the garage

 

[thkbaron]

The 6.4 has a coolant vent. Check the HD section and you will find a lot of conversation about it.

I remember something about that but no one seemed to confirm it or send a picture of it. If that's the case I'm totally happy with that.

 

[2003F350]

Mine has actually stopped making this smell so far as I can tell, and still isn't losing any coolant. I drive 25 miles one way to work, and walk around the front after every trip so I'd smell it if it were still doing it.

Of course, now that I think about it, it quit making the smell once the temperatures started to drop, so it's entirely possible that the coolant system isn't hitting a high enough pressure to vent...so I guess come spring I'll find out!

 

[RamCares]

This has been discussed before and I just emailed RAMCARES today to see if I can get an answer. Mine smells of coolant quite often after a trip of 5 miles or more. My dad's ram 2500 is the same way. Zero evidence of leaks. I know there's a lot of people that have this issue. Kind of curious to see if any one in the Power Wagon section has this problem solved. I'll post any answers I can get in this thread.

I just had the chance to get back to you via private messages, @thkbaron. To all who are experiencing this concern, please know that our team would be happy to assist in resolving this for you. In order to determine resolutions to vehicle concerns, an in-person diagnosis must take place in order to exhaust all possible root causes. Please let us know if you would like to be connected to a specialist during your future appointment for additional support.

Kathryn
RamCares

 

[thkbaron]

I'll ask my local shop when I take it in to have the fog light replaced for condensation this next week and see what they have to say. It's typically after it warms up. Another forum member mentioned they have a vent. I was just hoping you'd have some input on it from other cases etc. I'll also ask them about that drag link.

 

[thkbaron]

here's the thread link on that smell RAMCARES......

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2017-2500-6-4-antifreeze-smell.109961/page-4

 

[Overlander]

Most likely normal operation of the coolant reservoir which is vented to atmosphere. As the temp increases insides the closed coolant system (radiator et al) the pressure also will increase. The radiator cap acts as a relief valve and allows the volume of fluid to decrease by opening slightly and allowing passage to the reservoir tank. When cool, the contracting fluid volume will draw fluid back into the radiator via siphon action.

Just as you can smell you mom's soup cooking, any hot fluid released into the reservoir tank will can be smelled. The more hot volume diluting the cold volume already in the tank the more vapor released. Trapped air in the system will also be vented directly to the tank and can be smelled.

If you're concerned, take piece of painters tape and mark the cold level on the tank. Check it again over several days when cold. If the level is lower with each measurement interval then you have a leak. If the level is mostly consistent (no downward trend) then you're good.

 

[SeppW]

Materials and technology has changed, but I think there is very slight weeping of coolant anywhere there is a mechanical connection and some coming from weep hole on the water pump, like all early model vehicles of decades ago. Even worse, leaking or cracked heater core and plastic tanks on radiators.

If there is a puddle forming after driving and parking, then there is an issue.

 

[olyelr]

Most likely normal operation of the coolant reservoir which is vented to atmosphere. As the temp increases insides the closed coolant system (radiator et al) the pressure also will increase. The radiator cap acts as a relief valve and allows the volume of fluid to decrease by opening slightly and allowing passage to the reservoir tank. When cool, the contracting fluid volume will draw fluid back into the radiator via siphon action.

Just as you can smell you mom's soup cooking, any hot fluid released into the reservoir tank will can be smelled. The more hot volume diluting the cold volume already in the tank the more vapor released. Trapped air in the system will also be vented directly to the tank and can be smelled.

If you're concerned, take piece of painters tape and mark the cold level on the tank. Check it again over several days when cold. If the level is lower with each measurement interval then you have a leak. If the level is mostly consistent (no downward trend) then you're good.

If this is normal operation for most vehicles, and emitting an odor is normal, why do none of the others smell like antifreeze?

Materials and technology has changed, but I think there is very slight weeping of coolant anywhere there is a mechanical connection and some coming from weep hole on the water pump, like all early model vehicles of decades ago. Even worse, leaking or cracked heater core and plastic tanks on radiators.

If there is a puddle forming after driving and parking, then there is an issue.

Nowhere even close to puddles on the ground. Literally cant even find a damp spot of antifreeze anywhere on the engine or hoses.

 

[SeppW]

If this is normal operation for most vehicles, and emitting an odor is normal, why do none of the others smell like antifreeze?




Nowhere even close to puddles on the ground. Literally cant even find a damp spot of antifreeze anywhere on the engine or hoses.

Is the expansion tank level dropping? If there are small leaks or weeping, it is likely being vaporized after it contacts hot metal. Could pressurize the system when it's cold and see how much of a PSI drop is going on and might be able to track down where it's leaking. W/O a factory repair manual, I can't say what an acceptable leak down is.

 

[Overlander]

If this is normal operation for most vehicles, and emitting an odor is normal, why do none of the others smell like antifreeze?

Probably depends one the specific trip (how hot), the seal of the radiator cap, the amount of air in the system, etc. Decreasing fluid volume over time would be a concern. Visible steam would be a concern. Same with visible leak. It's hard to tell how strong of an oder is from a post, but if it's a slight smell of coolant and no other symptoms I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[olyelr]

Probably depends one the specific trip (how hot), the seal of the radiator cap, the amount of air in the system, etc. Decreasing fluid volume over time would be a concern. Visible steam would be a concern. Same with visible leak. It's hard to tell how strong of an oder is from a post, but if it's a slight smell of coolant and no other symptoms I wouldn't sweat it.

Yea thats pretty much how I have felt about it. Havnt seen a leak ever or any real loss of fluid, so just havnt really looked much into it. But the smell has pretty much been there since the truck was brand new.

 

[olyelr]

Is the expansion tank level dropping? If there are small leaks or weeping, it is likely being vaporized after it contacts hot metal. Could pressurize the system when it's cold and see how much of a PSI drop is going on and might be able to track down where it's leaking. W/O a factory repair manual, I can't say what an acceptable leak down is.

Yea my thoughts are it is a super super small leak that is drying up before it is really even visible.
It would be interesting to try a pressure test on the system.

 

[Overlander]

If it is a small leak it will crystalize over time and you should see a whitish/purple ring start to develop at the source.

 

[SeppW]

I also find after coming off a run, or engine is at normal operating temp, check engine and radiator with a (LED) flashlight at night while engine is idling. Often can see the coolant glistening in the light if present. Obviously use caution around the fan.

 

[thkbaron]

yeah I haven't noticed any drop in coolant in the overflow tank at all and it's a pretty strong smell most of the time. It's definitely common with a lot of RAM 2500's and other dodge vehicles which is why it makes sense if it has a vent somewhere I guess. Kind of odd this isn't common knowledge.