Identify The Leak

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Hey guys -
I have an '02 Sport Edition with 251,000 miles on it, all mine. Recently I've been getting a hot sweet smell after driving. It's constant, meaning after every drive. The radiator is relatively new (replaced it, the water pump and timing belt at 201,000). The only leak I can find is running along the passenger side of the transmission fluid pan (not sure of the source yet). It's gold in color, sticky and has little to no odor. My radiator does lose some fluid, but it's very slow.
This leak is bothering me because I can't identify it. It can't be oil because it wouldn't be gold, it isn't gear oil because it doesn't stink, it isn't tranny fluid because it's gold, it isn't antifreeze because it's thick. Please help me or correct me!
On the good side, my oil dip stick suddenly decided to allow me to remove it after five plus years of being frozen in place! What made that happen?

Thank you!

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Hey guys -
I have an '02 Sport Edition with 251,000 miles on it, all mine. Recently I've been getting a hot sweet smell after driving. It's constant, meaning after every drive. The radiator is relatively new (replaced it, the water pump and timing belt at 201,000). The only leak I can find is running along the passenger side of the transmission fluid pan (not sure of the source yet). It's gold in color, sticky and has little to no odor. My radiator does lose some fluid, but it's very slow.
This leak is bothering me because I can't identify it. It can't be oil because it wouldn't be gold, it isn't gear oil because it doesn't stink, it isn't tranny fluid because it's gold, it isn't antifreeze because it's thick. Please help me or correct me!
On the good side, my oil dip stick suddenly decided to allow me to remove it after five plus years of being frozen in place! What made that happen?

Thank you!

maybe power steering fluid, although most use DEXRON III but regular PS fluid is gold as you describe. Maybe coming from the rack.

 

[LittleCaesar]

On the good side, my oil dip stick suddenly decided to allow me to remove it after five plus years of being frozen in place! What made that happen?

And you have been driving the 4runner during this time?

Where does the radiator lose the fluid? If it is touching anything hot the coolant can have a sweet smell.

 

[PowrPly]

Yes, I have been driving it all along. I wasn't concerned about measuring the oil because I knew I wasn't burning any and I always got 5qts out when I changed the oil. Yes, I know it was risky and probably stupid.
I'm not sure about the source of the radiator leak. I can't see any wetness under or around the radiator and there are no drips under the radiator.
I've got tomorrow off and plan to get under it and search for the source.

After re-reading my original post I forgot to mention the viscosity of the yellow fluid is similar to oil. If you rub your fingers together it will feel like a sticky oil.

 

[PowrPly]

I changed out my power steering fluid not too long ago, it's red.

 

[Riceye]

Hey guys -
...a hot sweet smell after driving. It's constant, meaning after every drive... My radiator does lose some fluid, but it's very slow.

Coolant leak. Pressurise the system to 13-15psi, and find the leak.

I always got 5qts out when I changed the oil...

You measure the volume of your waste oil? I feel negligent.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

whats it taste like

 

[PowrPly]

I'll send you some.