Coolant Odor When Hot - No Visible Leak

[2013megacab]

My 2013 is about to go out of extended warranty. I have occasionally noticed a coolant odor when the engine is hot, either from idling or pulling a load, and it is doing it now. OK, with all the cooling capacity it probably isn't hot when it has been idling but I still smell coolant. I have had it in to the dealer and they couldn't detect a leak, but probably only looked for visible coolant - there isn't any.

I think I probably need a coolant system pressure check. Anything I should look for? The water pump was replaced under the recall.

TIA,

Al

 

[lpennock]

EGR Cooler.

 

[Ozymandias]

Y-pipe?

 

[AH64ID]

Are you losing coolant?

 

[Topzide]

Coolant pressure test is what is needed! Had a similar issue on another vehicle in the past and this was the only way that I found it. After going crazy with smell and slow coolant loss, found an o-ring that was leaking. Purchased a HF pressure test kit and was the best money spent after weeks of trying to find. Was on DW car, so you know how that can go!!!

 

[2013megacab]

Thanks all. I'll look around the EGR cooler, which I removed and flushed a year or so ago.
I replaced the y-pipe in 2018. That leak was visible.
Any coolant leak is slight. I have not had to replace any in quite some time.

I’ll just take it in under warranty. Maybe I’ll get a pressure tester and check it first.

Al

 

[Hoefler]

A Y-pipe leak is not always visible, I had 3 on my 2014 in 100k miles go bad.

 

[SnoKing]

Check that the carpet is not wet on the passenger side foot well!

 

[IH8CALI]

Mine's doing the same thing, i've been looking for a coolant tester that's NOT indirectly funding the CCP, that's not easy.

Going to try the OTC 6977. Should be here Saturday, we'll see if it works.

 

[2013megacab]

My 2013 is about to go out of extended warranty. I have occasionally noticed a coolant odor when the engine is hot, either from idling or pulling a load, and it is doing it now. OK, with all the cooling capacity it probably isn't hot when it has been idling but I still smell coolant. I have had it in to the dealer and they couldn't detect a leak, but probably only looked for visible coolant - there isn't any.

I think I probably need a coolant system pressure check. Anything I should look for? The water pump was replaced under the recall.

TIA,

Al

Turbo actuator is leaking. According to dealer, $3800 part. MaxCare requires an inspection prior to repair for anything over $2500. 24-48 hour delay waiting for the inspector.

Al

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Turbo actuator is leaking. According to dealer, $3800 part. MaxCare requires an inspection prior to repair for anything over $2500. 24-48 hour delay waiting for the inspector.

Al

Wow! Just love it when a dealer LIES so blatantly.
Actuator list price is like $1200 or so, not 3800.

Oh well, good thing you have the warranty and don't have to pay their overinflated prices.

 

[2013megacab]

Wow! Just love it when a dealer LIES so blatantly.
Actuator list price is like $1200 or so, not 3800.

Oh well, good thing you have the warranty and don't have to pay their overinflated prices.

Interesting. He must be confused or I misunderstood. I looked at the part (available new from Amazon for $850 and they are clearly not a low price leader) and I can only see one side, but I don't see a port for cooling water anywhere. How would it be leaking coolant?

Edit: Found another picture of the turbo side and see what may be a cooling water passage. And the $850 part is for an earlier model. Found one for $1400 fits 2013.

 

[Ozymandias]

They go to replace the whole Turbo, there for the 3800.-$

 

[IH8CALI]

FWIW I pressurized the system and it's leaking from the bottle, at least that's the obvious spot.

 

[2013megacab]

Final report - According to the bill I received (all shown as NC) and the invoice I was shown they replaced the actuator and the parts cost shown was over $3800. The service writer told me that was the warranty price, my price off the street would have been higher. I'm having trouble reconciling that with the list price I have seen on line of $1400, but it cost me $100. The lesson in this is I need to find an indy repair person, thus my post with that subject.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Well, since it was warranty, and only cost you $100 deductible, who cars how they billed it to maxcare?

All you need to be is relieved that it is fixed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Had mine done and didn't pay anything.

 

[2013megacab]

Well, since it was warranty, and only cost you $100 deductible, who cars how they billed it to maxcare?

All you need to be is relieved that it is fixed.

My concern is for the future - what does that indicate about what it will cost to get things done after Maxcare expires in two weeks. I put up a post asking about Indy repair shops in Jacksonville area where I just moved to and so far no response. I'm past the point where I could do much more that clean an EGR valve.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

My concern is for the future - what does that indicate about what it will cost to get things done after Maxcare expires in two weeks. I put up a post asking about Indy repair shops in Jacksonville area where I just moved to and so far no response. I'm past the point where I could do much more that clean an EGR valve.

Trade for a new one!
Have you tried googling "Diesel Pickup Repair Jacksonville"???