Coolant smell, no leaks found.

[BlazeRunner]

Well, just so you know, the manifold removal isn't necessary when doing VCGs, but if you do decide to pull it off, Toyota recommends replacing the 2 gaskets per the FSM, and glad I did. I got mine for just less than $40 a piece on Amazon with prime.

 

[Kenworth]

Ck coolant pipes to rear heater they tend to rust out new ones are stainless steal

 

[LeeMajors]

Ck coolant pipes to rear heater they tend to rust out new ones are stainless steal

I checked them out and they seemed intact everywhere.

I dunno, may just have to live with it. It's pretty strange, but I guess I'm driving an old truck. Have to expect some weird smells.

The only other weird symptom I have is a longer start than I would imagine is normal when cold, then an incredibly fast (almost too fast) start when warm. I'm not sure if that could be related to any of the weirdness--but that's about the only other weird thing I can think of going on with the engine, other than my requisite fixable oil leaks.

 

[jreask]

I checked them out and they seemed intact everywhere.

I dunno, may just have to live with it. It's pretty strange, but I guess I'm driving an old truck. Have to expect some weird smells.

The only other weird symptom I have is a longer start than I would imagine is normal when cold, then an incredibly fast (almost too fast) start when warm. I'm not sure if that could be related to any of the weirdness--but that's about the only other weird thing I can think of going on with the engine, other than my requisite fixable oil leaks.

I know that my 2002 Limited starts just like that when it's warmed up. It barely cranks and it's started. Quickly. It cranks for a second or two when starting it cold. Odd. Maybe someone knows why?
As far as the coolant smell, I think it's just a Toyota/4Runner thing. I have the smell from my 02 and I just replaced the water pump, TB, etc. I also replaced the radiator as preventive maintenance. It's not all the time, but occasionally when I get out of it in the garage I can smell coolant.
My 2015 TE premium does the same thing. I have decided that it's the cap on the overflow tank that vents fumes to the engine compartment.

 

[LeeMajors]

I'm just glad other people experience this odd smell. I was really worried about some head gasket issues or something. It's just kind of had me perplexed since my coolant level has not changed since I purchased the vehicle 3k mi ago. I've been pretty vigilant in checking fluids and haven't really noticed anything out of the ordinary. Just kind of spooky, really.

 

[NOBIGGIEE]

Just wanted to add my experience. Smelled what I thought was coolant since it was a sweet smell, but turns out it was my rear cam seals leaking oil on the exhaust manifold. If you suspect coolant leak but no loss, make sure to check if engine oil is burning somewhere because at least in my case I mistaken the smell for coolant.