[Windstartled]

I had a massive coolant leak last winter, massive in the sense that I could literally see hot coolant vapors (steam) enter the cabin through the vents. The smell was so overwhelming I had to keep the windows cracked open in order to breathe. This appeared to be originating from the same area, near the passenger side firewall and was dripping on the exhaust manifold.

I could not see exactly where it was coming from so I resigned myself to bring it to the shop but it was late and it was closed so what the heck I tried some of that "pelletized"additive that's supposed to plug leaks. Silver colored stuff, I forget which brand. Wasn't expecting much from this but to my amazement the leak vanished immediately and has not reappeared since. Pressure and level remain normal, and no more hot coolant smell in the cabin.

I'm sure this fix won't last forever but for the time being it works good. Because of the "filler" nature of these products I suspect the leak was not due to a loose clamp but rather to a crack in a tube or fitting.