HELP: Coolant smell, No leak???

[velomatt]

I just replaced my timing belt, water pump, and radiator on my 01. (5FZ-VE) when I stop at a light I can smell a faint smell of warm coolant but I see no leaks anywhere. I have put on about 70 miles since the engine work.
I have looked everywhere but see no evidence of a leak.
Any idea what is making the smell?

 

[Brian757]

I hate to say this, but the seal of your water pump could be the culprit.
I would need a couple pictures of the engine bay. The reason I would assume the water pump is because your not seeing any leaks, and a small leak by your water pump would burn it instantly.

 

[velomatt]

Rats

That's what I was thinking. It came with the metal gasket that has the rubber seals. I put gasket sealant on it.
Bad idea?
How do I remedy the situation?

 

[Brian757]

That's what I was thinking. It came with the metal gasket that has the rubber seals. I put gasket sealant on it.
Bad idea?
How do I remedy the situation?

I mean, I just hate telling you that. Because trust me, I know the work to get to the water pump, and it sucks. Inspect your radiator hoses and everything first. The gasket sealant is fine, as long as you completely sanded off the surface of where the WP mounts up to the block.

Particulate gets stuck on the block where the WP meets and doesn't give it the proper seal. But count this as the last resort. I would inspect all other elements before diving into deconstruction.

 

[velomatt]

I'll inspect everything again but I did not see one drop of fluid anywhere.

No I didn't sand it.
I guess I should have used the metal gasket by its self, no sealant?

Assuming it is the pump gasket. How long can I get by before it creates bigger issues?

 

[Brian757]

I'll inspect everything again but I did not see one drop of fluid anywhere.

No I didn't sand it.
I guess I should have used the metal gasket by its self, no sealant?

Assuming it is the pump gasket. How long can I get by before it creates bigger issues?

Well, you should keep an eye on the radiator reservoir, and monitor your coolant levels so that your runner doesn't overheat. You can let it go for a small period of time, but you ultimately don't want coolant getting all over electrical equipment and creating bigger issues.

You could also wait to let the leak get worse, and maybe you can locate it better. One thing to do would be putting cardboard under your truck overnight. I know the leak is tiny, but if one drop hits the cardboard, you at least have a general location.

You could always take the top radiator hose off, and take off the timing belt cover to inspect as much as possible. That would be what I would do.

 

[velomatt]

Well, you should keep an eye on the radiator reservoir, and monitor your coolant levels so that your runner doesn't overheat. You can let it go for a small period of time, but you ultimately don't want coolant getting all over electrical equipment and creating bigger issues.

You could also wait to let the leak get worse, and maybe you can locate it better. One thing to do would be putting cardboard under your truck overnight. I know the leak is tiny, but if one drop hits the cardboard, you at least have a general location.

You could always take the top radiator hose off, and take off the timing belt cover to inspect as much as possible. That would be what I would do.

Great idea. Thnx for the help!