h22hnda01

i have an 04 TL auto with sport shifting. I was on the interstate, running it hard and when I got home and pulled in the garage, there was a sweet, almost maple syrupy smell coming from the engine bay near the fire wall on the passenger side. Maybe even a plastic melting smell. It was weird. Im new to the TL so Im just learning the motor and whatnot. The car has 38k original miles also. Any advice?

3gstealth

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like you have a coolant leak.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

didnt read but the title.


COOLANT

h22hnda01

any particular place to look at?

nfnsquared

If it's at the firewall, could be a loose/cracked heater hose or a failing heater water valve (not sure what the official name is). The smell is most definitely coolant.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

As the coolant will evaporate on the hot parts, sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint unless there is running liquid. If coolant level has dropped, or just to check, throw a pressure tester on the cooling system when cold. It can be done cold or warm, but I prefer cold. Let it sit for quite a while to see if the pressure drops, and if it does, look for the coolant.

h22hnda01

ok cool, thanks guys. ill throw a pressure tester on it today and see what i find. hopefully i can get it figured out this weekend

Jesstzn

Sometimes shops will add something to the coolant and let it run some then the leak shows up in black light or some kind of light.

AMUA6

iTrader: (7)

Did you forget to throw your pancakes away?

lowbudgetTL

iTrader: (1)

I hate cars

The first and easiest place to check is the little hose between the radiator and overflow tank. Mine leaked since new and it was just enough that I couldn't find it until there was a small buildup of dry coolant on top of the radiator. A small black ziptie fixes it. I've seen several TLs leak in this area. It will not show up on a pressure test.

ez12a

^same leak here. one of the minor leaks found by the inspection i had done on my 04 before buying.

Will try the ziptie fix. thanks.

dinks07

iTrader: (4)

exactly what ihc said