Smelling Antifreeze

Hello. Was wondering if anyone would know why I am smelling antifreeze inside the car. Could it only be the thermostat? I was smelling it for awhile and now we just replaced the water pump and its even worse. Its still throwing heat, but the fumes are getting so bad now that I'm not even running the heat anymore. I even smell it a little bit when the heater is off. I would appreciate any advice I can get. Thank you!

Sounds like you may have a leak in your heater core.

Sounds like you may have a leak in your heater core.

I have the same problem with smelling antifreeze, however, I cannot find a leak in my heater core or anywhere else. My system doesnt lose coolant.

Oh nooooooo.....more victims of the dreaded intake manifold gasket leak. Mine is doing the same thing. I just haven't taken it back in for warranty repair yet.

Mine leaks slowly. Slow enough that it looks like the level in my coolant overflow jug isn't getting lower. Look on the rear of the engine, under the throttle body. That's where mine is leaking.....just a trickle but a very strong smell.

This is a common problem on the 3.8.

Oh nooooooo.....more victims of the dreaded intake manifold gasket leak. Mine is doing the same thing. I just haven't taken it back in for warranty repair yet.

Mine leaks slowly. Slow enough that it looks like the level in my coolant overflow jug isn't getting lower. Look on the rear of the engine, under the throttle body. That's where mine is leaking.....just a trickle but a very strong smell.

This is a common problem on the 3.8.


Howmuch does it usually cost to get this repaired, and what exactly is done to repair it ?

thanks !

I have an 89' grand prix, which had the anti-freeze odor. I had a top hose on the radiator that had a very minor leak and the metal line that goes from the thermostat area to the heater core had a fracture at the weld joint by the chassis mounting bracket. I replaced it and that took care of the problem.