Just had my 60k service done including radiator flush. I noticed this noxious odor that can only be attributed to radiator coolant when I get home. Drove around, but the car never reached above 3 bars for temp. Car drove fine (recently installed new fan switch, thermostat, headers, and ecu). I don't see any puddles of coolant, yet I still smell it.

Is there a leak somewhere? Is my radiator dying? Or did the mechanics spill some coolant somewhere and the heat from the engine is boiling it off?

As pretty as the Mugen radiator is, I'm not inclined to buy one at this time.

 

Probably coolant in the plastic tray under the front of the engine bay. Park your car outside--I'm sure some neighborhood cats will take care of it for you.

 

Med Student,

Probably no worries...as you suspected just some spilled coolant during the flush. The glycol and additives don't smell very nice when heated, but it goes away with time. You can always gently wash the underside of the engine bay (be careful if you've got a CAI) with water.

Happy Motoring!!

 

The location of the coolant drain ensures some coolant will stay in the undertrays. Just make sure you don't have a leak, and the smell will go away.