TheWhiteBread

Lately I've had a coolant smell. It's not coming from the vents and you can really only smell it from outside the vehicle. I did notice my reservoir was a little low. I park it in the same spot and there are no puddles. I took the cap off and everything looked fine. I'm stumped and really don't wanna take it to the shop yet. I haven't had any overheating issues at all. Maybe the cap is bad and I didn't catch it?!?! Has anybody had this problem? Or know what it might be?

ShiftKnowledge

cud be a water pump issue or radiator prob

Mark Doiron

Could also be a bad head gasket or cracked block or head allowing coolant into the cylinders, then to blow out the exhaust. Often you can tell by the feeling of moistness of the exhaust fumes, or by white (foggy) smoke. How many miles on this Jeep?

ranier1315

Can't see your profile from my phone. If you're driving a JK. they rend to leak from The tank when You're wheeling. Well Known problem. Just keep full.

TheWhiteBread

17k miles

TheWhiteBread

also haven't seen white foggy smoke from exhaust.

ronjenx

The overflow tank is vented to atmosphere. That's another potential source for coolant smell under certain conditions.
I get it on mine every once in a while.

Ryan0260

Check your water pump. It may not be enough of a leak to leave a puddle, but check for a white crusty buildup around the gasket. These waterpumps are notorious for early failure, and the antifreeze smell is definitely a symptom.

EHarris

I had this exact problem. It was the water pump. Fixed under lifetime power warranty.

Mark Doiron

I keep mine barely at the min line after experiencing this issue. But, yes, if you do some steep ascents and descents and keep your coolant reservoir near the max line, you'll have it spitting out all over the engine compartment.