New guy w some questions. 2009 Wrangler X w the 3.8 V6, Jeep smells like coolant once hot and there’s some noise like maybe sticking valve or vacuum hose off. Only does it when hot. What should I look at first?

 

So others don't have to look, profile shows we're dealing with a 2009.

talking that you smell it and hear a noise inside the cab, or just in the engine bay? The noise is a bit more interesting. Common issues on our JKs, both 3.8L and 3.6L are the radiators leaking where the fins meet the sides, often the driver's side. I had one leak there myself. You can't visually see it til you break everything down. I was losing coolant regularly and would smell it. Even though it passed pressure tests there was indeed a leak at those fins. Thermostat housings are a common issue as well, and heater cores inside the cab. Last thing I can think of for that 3.8L is the lower intake manifold gasket, but with that you will usually see big leaks.