smell coolant without leaks, occasional overheating?
 

Awhile back I began having overheating issues. I figured it was air in the system so, I purchased the spill free funnel and got some air bubbles out. Now my car is overheating occasionally and I'm smelling coolant even when it doesn't overheat at all. I looked for leaks and nothing. Floor is dry, engine bay is dry, and overflow tank level is where it should be. No white smoke from tail pipes as well. What should I suspect?

I had the same symptoms a couple months ago. It would overheat out of No where but then a little driving would make then temperature go back down. Then it finally dumped all the coolant on the freeway I suspected it was the radiator so I immediately ordered one after replacing it I found out it was a plastic T bleeder screw on the passenger side that led to the Heater core. The plastic thing got so coroded it broke in half. Replaced it and haven't had an issue since.

bump for more advise.

Maybe the thermostat is just getting old and sticks here and there?? How old is the coolant or how long since it has been changed?? That would help out alot for anyone to help diagnose a problem! How many miles etc...The more info you can give, the better!

I've narrowed it down to the T-stat area. Just took another look and nocied some very small spray of coolant on the lower radiator hose. Just have to remove the supercharger bracket to get to the T-stat and get a better look at whats going on. I'll just park it for now and get to it after the holidays.

Maybe just a old tstat or leaky gasket then! is the belt squeeling or chirping too?

Nope, no chirping or squeeling. I'll be replacing the T-stat and all the hoses once I get in there. Think I'll do a radiator uprgade while I'm at it to.

Smelling coolant even when not overheating is not good... Hopefully you didnt damage your headgasket. After you find the culprit of the overheating, make sure you check your compression to see the condition of the gasket. I am replacing my gasket in my altima this week because I was overheating a YEAR ago. :(. I noticed a coolant smell especially on hot days since I fixed the overheating problem but chose to ignore it.