Coolant leak and light

MAXMWILL

MEMBER
2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
3.4L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

I just started smelling coolant while I was driving today, and so, I turned the heater on, and the odor of coolant got a lot stronger, so I figure that it is time to remove the heater core, major pita that it is (has to go under the dashboard, an action more suitable for contortionist circus people), so there is that.

And just now, the low coolant light came on, and when I had parked and popped the hood to put more coolant in the reservoir (why oh why did Olds design the Alero without a radiator cap? Convenience? Some convenience that turns out to be. Not!}, It was full and hot (gushing out), so what am I missing?

Also, my thermostat is in need of being replaced, and a mechanic offered to change it for me (looking at where the thermostat is, better him than me), and I am wondering if this has anything to do with the previous.

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Change the thermostat and get the radiator removed and core cleaned, you may have a partially blocked radiator.

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Monday, July 10th, 2017 AT 3:39 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,003 POSTS

Also get the system pressure tested, It's possible that the coolant smell was from the engine getting hot and pushing coolant out into the overflow from the reservoir.

As for getting the radiator cleaned, if you are in the US and you can find a place that still does it, great, Most are gone because in most cases there is a cheap aftermarket radiator available for less money than the cleaning and it drove most of them out of business.