There is old residue/corrosion from coolant on many metal engine parts but nothing that appears to be recent.

-Mark

> On Sep 22, 2022, at 3:01 PM, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> 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
>>