Car gets warm to fast, coolant smell

[08t4rlimited]

So my car (camry 2005 1-owner with 175k) miles on it was parked at the airport for the past two weeks with temp ranging from -10 to 10.

I get into town today, it starts slow as expected; I brushed off the snow on the car and the car felt warm and needle read 1/2-which means it warmed up.

I found this odd as it was -8 outside and it took me about 5 min or less to brush the snow off.

On the short drive home the heat would not defrost the window and in fact made it worse. When I switched to cold air snow blow out from the vents. Also a smell of coolant is in the air.

So, where to start?? Replace thermostat? Check for signs of head gasket leak, if none, schedule apt for a new heater core??

Anything else? What are chances it's the gasket??

Thanks

 

[BURNINGAIR]

check your freeze plugs.. they should be on the side of the block.. their normally a brass dish looking thing and are supposed to be pushed out of the block if your collant freeze's. hence letting the liquid freeze solid in the motor without breaking the block. if that is the case, you need to pay more attention to the health of your antifreeze.. a balanced mixture of antifreeze and water is 50/50 and should be fine down to -40deg.
if this is the case, its not a bad fix.. clear anything out of the way and hammer a new freeze plug in.. slowly and evenly.. drain and refill your radiator with 50./50 mix, anitfreeze and water (unless its a premix)

 

[Lineman]

Check what burningair says but sounds like a prime example of a bad heater core.

 

[08t4rlimited]

Did some basic checks today...no visible leaks, no milky oil,......and car started and ran as normal, defrost worked, no funny smells etc....

Thanks for the help, hopefully this is a one tome deal deal.

Bought the car new in 05' now closing in on 200k with zero repairs (other than standard maintenance)