Hi Mark - Any evidence of chalky residual (dry) coolant in or around the
engine bay?

Bruce

On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 7:59 AM Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:

> About a year ago I had my cooling system revamped with a new radiator,
> water pump, stainless steel pipes to the radiator, and many new hoses.
> Since then I can smell coolant outside the van after driving it.  I took it
> back to the mechanic, said they pressurized the system and found no leaks.
> There is no evidence to be found of any coolant dripping on the pavement
> beneath the van, only the smell. On a recent 200 mile trip the van depleted
> most of the coolant in the overflow tank. The rear heater core is bone dry,
> that isn't the problem.
>
> The coolant smell is strong on the right rear side so I've been looking at
> the hoses and connections in that area. I suspect the leak may be at the
> hose connection on the front of the right head. This connection is above
> the exhaust outlet so any coolant that leaked would be vaporized and never
> reach the ground. This connection is a new silicone hose with a new
> screw-type hose clamp.
>
> My question here is whether an ear clamp (Oetiker style) would be better
> than a screw-type clamp for this application.
>
> Also part of the revamp was a new aluminum coolant reservoir with a 16lb
> pressure cap. I've also wondered if the cap might be defective, causing the
> system to run at a higher than designed pressure.
>
> I spent a lot of $$ so that the all important cooling system would be
> robust and I wouldn't have to worry about it, very dismayed to have to keep
> troubleshooting this. I appreciate any observations or comments.
>
> Regards,
> Mark
> '87 syncro
>