Coolant smell

[helios]

When I bought my car I got a smell of coolant from the inside of the car.Checked the footwells just in case and they where perfect and no sign of water there.Wasnt any in the past either I would say as the carpet is cream and spotless.Asked the previous owner and he said he had the matrix repaired or replaced cant remember which and the sytem was completly flushed.There is no sign of a coolant leak and the level in the resevoir is perfect.Could it just be traces coming from the air vent in the centre console as they where removed as well as the radio to get at the matrix when it was being worked on.Should I worry because the Corrado gave me nothing but trouble when it came to heating and coolant issues.While im on the matter what is the best coolant to use?

Sorry, forgot the water pump was also replaced.

[dabill]

sounds like there's just some residue in the blower system from when it was changed/repaired, it the level isnt dropping and there aint no leaks, then i wouldnt worry and buy one of those fantastical magic tree's if you dont like the smell...

coolant wise, im guessing you mean which anti-freeze is the best...i think i paid 6quid for mine from a supermarket garage, and i have enough there from minus 15 or something stupid... as long as you have about 50/50 then its a-ok.

rob

[DarnPB]

Silly question but have you used your windscreen wash? It could be that you smelled, if the reservoir has screenwash with the water.

[helios]

Hopefully everything is ok,must check the windscreen wash,could very well be it, its a mad looking colour anyway.Im going to remove the centre console at the weekend just to be sure,thanks lads great advice,only on the forum a day and Im learning allready.

[helios]

Gave the car a good run last night and the smell seems to be clearing up,but then I ran into another problem,see my other thread.

[nealey]

I just use vw coolant, that way i know its right for the car and its not to expensive either.

[helios]

Found a leak where the pipe from the coolant resevoir joins the top of the rad.The pipe was frayed so I replaced it and low and behold still a leak.Fear it might be the top of the rad now.Anyone recomend a good replacment rad or should I go with the original.

[DarnPB]

You could get the rad repaired at the fraction of the cost of a new one, if it is just a flange that has come adrift. If the rad has a crack, it may be a different story.

[helios]

Must look into getting it repaired so,thanks

[helios]

Mechanic in garage told me to use radweld as the crack is where the holder for the bolt enters is leaking.Told him I wasnt to keen in using radweld but he said the new liquid radweld is brill???The car is starting to eat my money so I have decided to take it off the road for a year and rectify everything.