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View Full Version : Found source of the Antifreeze odor.

Mark42
02-07-2010, 07:56 PM
I had been getting a smell of antifreeze sometimes when starting the car when it was hot. Never noticed it when the engine was cold. But I could never find an obvious leak, drips or any noticeable loss of fluid.

Well the other day I started the car hot with the hood opened and sniffed around for the odor and finally found it. It was the heater hose connectors. Grabbed them tight and pushed while twisting to force them on tighter. After that there has been no more odor of antifreeze.

Hopefully, this info might save someone else the frustration of looking for the cause of antifreeze odor.

I have no idea why GM decided to use such specialized hoses and connectors. Anyone know why?
chrisfrom nj
02-07-2010, 08:14 PM
was it a loose hose did you tighten the clamp allso you might have a small crack on the rubber heater hose keep checking the fluid regularly
Mark42
02-07-2010, 08:48 PM
was it a loose hose did you tighten the clamp allso you might have a small crack on the rubber heater hose keep checking the fluid regularly

4th Gen w/V6 don't use regular heater hoses and traditional hose clamps (unfortunately for 4th gen V6 owners). They use a push on plastic special end connector. No clamps, no screws.
sweetbmxrider
02-07-2010, 09:10 PM
got a pic?
chrisfrom nj
02-07-2010, 09:24 PM
4th Gen w/V6 don't use regular heater hoses and traditional hose clamps (unfortunately for 4th gen V6 owners). They use a push on plastic special end connector. No clamps, no screws.i didnt know you had a v6 i thought your car was a v8
i only owned third gens
Mark42
02-08-2010, 08:14 AM
i didnt know you had a v6 i thought your car was a v8
i only owned third gens

Not a problem. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Now report to the main office for a beating.:mrgreen:
sweetbmxrider
02-08-2010, 08:18 AM
so you don't got a pic?
LTb1ow
02-08-2010, 04:31 PM
4th Gen w/V6 don't use regular heater hoses and traditional hose clamps (unfortunately for 4th gen V6 owners). They use a push on plastic special end connector. No clamps, no screws.

If its just a push on deal, why would pushing it on further fix anything? :?:

Once it clicks in, isnt that it?
Mark42
02-08-2010, 06:31 PM
If its just a push on deal, why would pushing it on further fix anything? :?:

Once it clicks in, isnt that it?

I don't know. Never took one of these off or put on new, so I just can't say. The SI says to push and twist to put on, and pulll and twist to remove. So it doesn't sound like a snap or click connection. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in.

But I can say its been a few days and still no odor so pushing while twisting made them seal.