Antifreeze odor 97 F150 4x4

[Diamondpilot]

Luckily if the 97 is like the 96, and I believe it is, really easy job.
In fact you might just want to remove the cover and have a look.
I once changed a heater core in a Taurus about that vintage, don't want to talk about it, apparently the heater core is the first part on the assembly line then the entire car is built around it...I still twitch involuntarily when I see a Taurus:laughing:

I went though the same procedure on a Chevy Celebrity or something like that. My roommate in college had one. It developed a leak and we had to pull the alternator, valve cover, some other accessories just to get the blower out. Then half the dash had to come out to get the HC out. Weekend job.

Chris

 

[dodge man]

I wouldn't assume its the heater core, but I would check it. Water pump is another common source. I also have a nose for this kind of thing, and when I walk threw a parking lot, I notice "that car has a oil leak, hot brakes, coolant leak etc" just by the smell alone. It just takes a few drops to make the smell. If you can't find it, just keep an eye on it, and it will show up in time.

 

[deerefan]

I wouldn't assume its the heater core, but I would check it. Water pump is another common source. I also have a nose for this kind of thing, and when I walk threw a parking lot, I notice "that car has a oil leak, hot brakes, coolant leak etc" just by the smell alone. It just takes a few drops to make the smell. If you can't find it, just keep an eye on it, and it will show up in time.

That's it exactly. I see no evidence of the heater core and the water pump is new (2 yrs old). The heater core was replaced in 2005. I do not smell it inside the truck. Just when I shut it off after getting to work or home.

 

[crashz]

Maybe check the bottom of the radiator for weeping/wetness? Check the expansion tank, and hoses as well. On that truck its on the drivers side, below the hood seam, so a little vapor would be almost immediately detectable. The cap is suspect too.

 

[Scrambler82]

You seem to have covered all of what it might be.
If you are positive it isn't the heater core or connections then check the lower front of the water pump for leakage or the head gaskets; the smell will come from the antifreeze on the exhaust manifolds.

BUT !
I agree with the others Heater Core is most likely the problem.

I chgd my '88 core and it just pulled out in the cab.

Luck

 

[Hondapro]

If it turns out to be the heater core,on the 97 F150 the dash will need to be removed to replace it.
I had a 97 and went thru this same thing. you can find directions to replace it online.Try f 150.net

It is not a easy job and will take the better part of the day.

 

[Skyco]

If it turns out to be the heater core,on the 97 F150 the dash will need to be removed to replace it.
I had a 97 and went thru this same thing. you can find directions to replace it online.Try f 150.net

It is not a easy job and will take the better part of the day.

Just looked at my OEM Ford Service manual and you are right for the 150....way more hassle including dash removal....for 250/350 it is easy...7 screws under the dash and it's right there...

Forgot they changed body styles for the 150 that year...

 

[Mace Canute]

Heated coolant is much easier to smell than cold coolant (of course) so it's possible that there is a leak/seep very close to where the exhaust manifolds can heat it such as from a "frost plug" or possible an intake manifold gasket has sprung a leak and it's trickling down close to the exhaust. These leaks always seem to be at the back of the intake for some reason making them darn hard to check for. Maybe Murphy has something to do with that. Another thing I have seen is coolant passing through the engine and out the exhaust pipe because of a bad head gasket...very noticeable smell and no sign of a leak because it's internal. A bad head gasket could also leak externally and give you the same smell.