Smell burning anti-freeze but no signs of a leak?

Tiny
DESHAUN1
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 99,000 MILES
What should I do if I smell burning anti-freeze but no signs of a leak and what should I do if my anti-freeze in my reservoir is a rusty brown color? I just changed my water pump and hoses due to a leak. I removed the radiator and fan to check for cracks and there were none.
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 11:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
It is burning somewhere either from an internal leak, which is burning in the cylinder or leaking externally and burning off the manifold. I suggest inserting a dye into the system and having a shop use an ultraviolet light to find the leak.

As far as the rust, it happens from lack of service. You need the system power flushed to get rid of the junk. What ever you do, do not use sealer as it will complicate the diag process.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
DESHAUN1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok thanks. As far as flushing my system how would I go about doing that myself?
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Power flushing involves using an acid in the system and a machine that does it for you. Not for someone at home. At home, all you can do is drain and fill but you leave too much in the system untouched.
Call around for a radiator shop and get a bid.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
DESHAUN1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Will do. Thanks for the help
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good luck

Roy
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 AT 2:53 PM

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