"Antifreeze smell "

[Roll tide]

I have 107000 miles on my 06 v8 4runner when I run the heater you can smell antifreeze.
This has been going on for about one year. I have had the timing belt replaced at 105, the mechanic did not see any leaks anywhere.
And there is no leaks inside the cab.

Has anyone had this issue?

 

[YotaDriver]

Is it a sweet, almost maple syrup-type smell? I haven't had this in my 4Runner but years ago I used to drive VW Jetta's and that smell was usually indicative of a leaking heater core.

 

[jirehn]

Well I already heard this anti freeze smell before but not really sure about it, What is this one?

 

[Sungod]

Sounds like heater core or a connection inside as already stated. It doesn't take much to smell antifreeze and it probably evaporates before you would see any trace of a leak. Eventually you will notice your windows start to fog up. I would avoid any of the 'stop leak' products. they are a short term fix that could cause more serious issues later.

It could be possible that it could be in the engine compartment and you notice it because you are drawing in odors from there. A quick way to eliminate that area is to let your car sit and warm up then turn the heat and fan on high and stick your nose under the hood and see if you can detect any antifreeze odor.

 

[YotaDriver]

I'll second Sungod's sentiments regarding the leak-stop products, which from my experience typically come in the form of aluminum flakes you pour into your coolant reservoir which then congeal like a scab at the leak point. I put some of this stuff in a '92 Saab 9000 Turbo I used to own and it completely blocked off the entire heater core. You can probably imagine how difficult winter driving was with zero heat for about a week until I could get it fixed.

 

[diamondplate]

You should monitor your coolant level until you can diagnose the leak. Sometimes a heater core problem will leak into the front passenger foot well. That may be an area to keep an eye on as well.
Good luck.

 

[PWGUNNY]

The thermostat may be sticking, but you would see the temp guage move up.

 

[Roll tide]

After turning on the heater it takes about 15-20 min before it starts.
The windshield doesn't fog up.
I have also kept a check on the coolant level and no issues there.
Who knows its going to have to break before I figure out the problem.

 

[Burt]

Have the heater core inspected and replaced if needed. You definitely have a coolant leak inside the cabin. Glycol is a known carcinogen!

 

[CNJ Runner]

I had smell like that in a 90s ****lass oldsmobile.. turns out the radiator was broken and it would eventualy overheat. Wasnt worth replacing it so she got junkedddd