Coolant Smell

[happyhooker2]

I am for the most part mechanically inclined, to an extant. I just bought this 2001 7.3L last month with 100k on it. With no maintenance history or anything. It is my first 7.3L I had a 6.0L for a short period of time(a lot of issues) I am smelling a light coolant smell coming from my engine and threw my vents with the heat on. Coolant level is fine, no visible leaks. Any ideas on why I am getting the smell? No white smoke out the exhaust so a head gasket leak is out of the question, I assume? Any help? Thanks! Anything to look for??????

[Marty]

look under the front of the truck. See if any coolant is on the ground. Check the tierods and draglink for coolant drips. Also check the bottom of the motor.

The water pump is very common to go out on these trucks and will drip occasionally and then gush and leave you stranded.

[happyhooker2]

Thank you!!!!

[balzer_brett]

The coolant smell inside coming from the vents also would lead to a possible heater core starting to leak

[star73]

I have the same problem on a 01 550 except I dont smell it inside. New water pump 20k ago, no leaks.