Anyone else smelling coolant?

[777David]

Many owners of a Genesis G70 (with the same engine) are reporting this also. The only time to be concerned about it is if the coolant level in the expansion tank is dropping, meaning there is a leak somewhere. But if the coolant level stays the same (in between Cold and Hot lines), don't worry about it.

You would think there would be a reason uncovered after this much time has passed and other owners experiencing it. Seems like when I pull up to a stop light, the odor is strongest. It's just a sweet odor. It's not a bother, but very strange.
My coolant level seems to be staying constant at the low mark on the overflow tank. I'll continue to watch it. Otherwise, I'm not going to worry about it. I snapped this picture just now.

 

[JSolo]

^^I'd top that off to the full mark at cold state.

 

[TheAlien666]

^^I'd top that off to the full mark at cold state.

It is toped off if the engine is cold. The level is at the cold line.

 

[Slip_Angle]

Yeah, it is odd. Some say it's venting and "normal", others have found a bad water pump and there is @Cory2081 who found the lower intake leak. I've owned 20+ cars and haven't ever had this smell before and feel like something *should* be wrong but at the same time, there seems to be no impact from it in the vast majority of cases. I'm going to have a look at the lower intake spot and see if there is anything there.

 

[JSolo]

It is toped off if the engine is cold. The level is at the cold line.

Are you sure? Isn't that the Low and Full marks?

 

[TheAlien666]

Are you sure? Isn't that the Low and Full marks?

On my expansion tank the low level line is marked « cold » and the top line « hot »…

 

[JSolo]

I added a pic above. My car new from the dealer was at the top level (F). Can't imagine canadian cars using a different res.

 

[TheAlien666]

I added a pic above. My car new from the dealer was at the top level (F). Can't imagine canadian cars using a different res.

Perhaps over the years the expansion tank was modified to change the indications on it? I know that Kia switched coolant fluid type from yellow/green to red/pink…

 

[killinghall]

Coolant should be at the F mark when cold...here's mine after a short drive.

 

[5tinger]

The coolant reseviour/expansion tanks are usually vented. Therefore most likely source of the coolant smell assuming there is no leak anywhere.

Does anyone know if the new pink/red coolant is the same type & spec as the previous green one used in pre 2021 Stinger's?

 

[JSolo]

^^I don't agree with this. In my car, the smell is predominantly on the passenger side. The reservoir is closer to the driver side off the middle of the car. Can't see how the odor can travel given car is turned off.

Not sure if the pink/red is an 'upgrade' to the old green (ie can be used safely in place of). When I bought a gal of the pink at the dealer, guy asked me what color I wanted, so suggests they still stock both.

 

[TheAlien666]

^^I don't agree with this. In my car, the smell is predominantly on the passenger side. The reservoir is closer to the driver side off the middle of the car. Can't see how the odor can travel given car is turned off.

Not sure if the pink/red is an 'upgrade' to the old green (ie can be used safely in place of). When I bought a gal of the pink at the dealer, guy asked me what color I wanted, so suggests they still stock both.

I suspect that the new pink stuff doesn’t have the same characteristics as the green one, hence the change of the markings on the expansion reservoir?

 

[JSolo]

When it comes to certain fluids, I would just stick with oem. If the car came with green, continue using the green. Fluids such as coolant, transmission, transfer case, spark plugs (not modding) I plan on staying with stock/oe parts. ymmv.

It'd be curious if your markings are the same distance from the bottom as the new reservoirs.

 

[TheAlien666]

My sincere appologies to everyone. My expansion tank is indeed marked L and F also. I confused it with the one on my previous car (Hyundai Elantra) I guess? ‍Sorry. And yes the level was low, but I topped it off after taking the photo. (the car is cold)

 

[Cory2081]

Just checked and mine is back below the L on the reservoir. Gonna drive it another week or so and see if it drops more. Not happy I have a new car with issues before 15k miles.

 

[777David]

Good discussion. I'll top mine off too and keep a check on it. I too thought the low mark on the tank was normal when cold.
Not sure of the chemical differences between the green and pink coolant other than color.

 

[5tinger]

Apparently the dealer no longer stock the green OEM coolant. Only the new pink/ red varient and a complete flush is requires before pouring.

I guess it makes sense that they wouldn't change the coolant color just for the sake of it.

 

[TheAlien666]

Apparently the dealer no longer stock the green OEM coolant. Only the new pink/ red varient and a complete flush is requires before pouring.

I guess it makes sense that they wouldn't change the coolant color just for the sake of it.

I wonder why they switched to the pink stuff?

 

[Slip_Angle]

I wonder why they switched to the pink stuff?

Does the pink stuff smell at all? If not, maybe so owners won't keep bringing their car in to get checked for the coolant smell... Lol

 

[JSolo]

The pink stuff smells the same like any other coolant i've used.

Coolant odor is not a defect but a feature.