Antifreeze smell

[Wadders]

Hi, I'm getting a strong smell of hot antifreeze thru the heater vents when driving normally. Smell goes when a/c is on. Levels seeem , any ideas

 

[Wadders]

So car running ok, temp gauge all ok, a/c and heater work ok. I've topped up the coolant and oil level was a little low, just to make sure there's no unwanted hot smells to draw in.

Also changed the pollen filter element, so the slight whiff of hot antifreeze seems to have gone now. Can't see what else it was?

 

[CherryVimto]

Hot coolant smell in the cabin COULD be a sign of leaking heater matrix.

It's a small radiator type thing which sits in the centre of the dash, with the blower motor.
Feel around the lower middle, under the dash to check for leaks. Possibility of wet carpet(s) in the footwell(s).

I've had a leaking heater matrix before. Symptoms were hot coolant smell, greasy condensation on the inside of the windscreen which only smears when you wipe it and eventually wet carpet in the foot wells.

This may not be the case with your Puma, but something to keep in mind just in case....

 

[Wadders]

Thanks for that.

I've had dribbles of water from the a/c during the summer, but only noticed the smell this week. Guessing theres nothing you can do to stop the matrix from going? (ie an additive?)

 

[CherryVimto]

There are the usual things like rad weld, but to be honest it's far better to repair a problem if there is one rather than trying to cover it up.

If the smell has now gone, then just see how it goes.

 

[Wadders]

Thanks again Cherry Vimto for the advice. No dampness under the dash/footwells, but now added a Holts Radweld as a precaution. Smell has gone, so touch wood for the time being...