2003 Ford Taurus Smell of overheated radiator

BERNI LEWELLEN

MEMBER
2003 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
68,000 MILES

I have been driving this car for 5 years with few problems but when I park it in the garage it always smells like the radiator is overheated and/or the engine has been running hot. Sometimes it is worse than others. The temperature gauge never registers anything but normal (in between hot and cold). I parked it outside the other evening after about a 1/2 hour drive and when I got out, the smell was very strong and a noticeable amount of heat was coming from the engine area. Someone remarked that my radiator must have a hole in it and was getting ready to burst. Still, the temp gauge was normal. Any ideas?

Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 10:52 PM

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

You need to have the system check as soon as you can
to avoid costly repair and damaging the engine
also have the heater lines checked to for leaks

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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 6:20 AM

BERNI LEWELLEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I had the car checked out and they found an oil leak from a valve/hose near the ignition. The leak was falling onto the manifold which was causing the hot smell. Otherwise, everything checked out!

The cost for this repair was included in the $34 engine check fee plus the cost for a new oil filter. This is the result of having a good, honest mechanic that I know I can trust which is especially important for a woman who knows little about cars.

Thanks to all good, honest mechanics everywhere!

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Saturday, July 26th, 2008 AT 2:26 PM