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Question: Check engine temperature light came on, smell of antifreeze. is it the radiator?

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Srbsn766, 4.0L V6, North Las Vegas, NV, July 19, 2011, 21:19
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 Rookie

Just happened today, no recent problems. check under car small drops of fluid. started car kinda slow to start but ran it for good t3-4 mins then lights come on.

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, July 19, 2011, 23:34
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    It could be so many things it would be foolish to guess. hard to tell without being able to do some diagnostic tests to see if there is a leak. The way an automotive shop would locate the leak is by removing the radiator cap and attaching an adapter that screws on in place of the radiator cap. Something that looks like a bicycle pump with a pressure gauge attached to it is used to "pump up" pressure to simulate pressure generated when the cooling system is at operating temperature, the leak is then found sometimes it is obviously leaking from a coolant hose or cracked housing, failed gasket or water pump, sometimes the engines cooling system needs to be inspected from below or inspected using a mirror and flash light. If the coolant loss is still evasive dye can be added to the cooling system that may indicate the source of the leak. A mysterious coolant loss may even be a sign of a head gasket that is not sealing well.

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