Coolant Smell, but from Where ???

[MR-GTI]

Hey all,

Just a quick one to see if anyone else has experienced this.

I drive my GTi every day, and I mean drive it, it's now done 37000k's and still going strong.

Something I have noticed is that after a drive I walk past the front of the car and I can smell coolant !!

I have checked for leaks...nothing
I have checked fluid levels...nothing..(meaning level has not changed and is not low)

What the F@#k could it be??,

Anyone had or have this experience?

Regs MT-GTi

[Jmac]

How is the coolant level when cold??????? Had a few issues with Polo radiators, especially around the thermoswitch, which has been prone to leak and even crack. not common but ive personally checked 3 at fault. Mind you thats out of dozens fo Polos.
Jmac

[Ben_GTI]

Yea mine smells like that.... sometimes coolant is high, sometimes it is low... go figure.

[pixl]

Just to double check, is this the correct way to do it?

1. Check engine oil level when engine has reached operating temperature.

2. Check coolant level when engine is cold.

I only ask for confirmation because I noticed the coolant is below the low line when the engine is running and I can't remember if I should check it again when it's cold.

[decat]

must say I also smell coolant from time to time.
all levels are ok so I don't worry.

I do got a leak once which made some hoses wet, the workshop told me it could be possible that those hoses give that smell sometimes

[Blitzen]

I have had a coolant smell a couple of times after hard driving, but I put it down to venting, and the position of the coolant bottle so close to the fire wall on the drivers side. I have checked my coolant level, and done a coolant system pressure test, and found no dramas.
Just out od curiousity with the OP, do you have an after market Turbo Inlet Pipe(TIP) added??

[Jmac]

Just to double check, is this the correct way to do it?

1. Check engine oil level when engine has reached operating temperature.

2. Check coolant level when engine is cold.

I only ask for confirmation because I noticed the coolant is below the low line when the engine is running and I can't remember if I should check it again when it's cold.

Just on that one what if your oil level is very low, too late if you are going to wait till operating temp. The level cold should be at the top of the dots and when it gets hot it will expand to the top line on the stick
CHeers
Jmac

[pixl]

The level cold should be at the top of the dots and when it gets hot it will expand to the top line on the stick
CHeers
Jmac

Thanks Jmac. Is that just with VW/Audi or is it pretty standard for most cars?

Picked up some coolant from the dealer today, handed me a bottle of G12 plus plus. Thought it was a typo until I saw it embossed on the plastic container.

Coolant level is about 1cm below the min line, surprisingly no lights have shown on the dash. It's due for it's first service soon, so I'll just keep an eye on it and keep topping it up until then.