2006 Chevy Impala Coolant smell

Tiny
JOHN HO10
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 83,000 MILES
Had thermostat replaced 3 months ago. Had to continue to add coolant (over a week's time) until resivoir was filled between "low" and "full" when at operating temp. Also purged air from system.

I smell warm coolant outside of car after a short trip. Under hood, smell is strong around filler cap area. There are no leaks onto the driveway nor any wet areas around hose connections or water pump housing. Had to add about 8 ounces of coolant recently to bring resivor back to proper level.
Found sticky accumulation of coolant in detent of water pump casting below and slightly to right of power steering pully. This is a very small, slow leak. Can't find source

Suggestions?
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 AT 7:29 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JOHN HO10
  • MEMBER
  • 46 POSTS
Since no one answered my query, I took car to local shop to determine source of coolant leak. Its coming from water pump shaft. Coolant is transferred from water pump shaft leak to top of engine by serp belt. Very slow leak.
Shop says to wait 60 days or so, (unless leak becomes too problematic), until after-market pumps are available at lower cost.

Are there after mkt. Pumps available today?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 AT 12:05 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Yes Advance auto, Auto Zone and NAPA have for 3.5L and 3.9L @$70
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 AT 12:25 PM

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