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Old 06-12-2011, 04:43 PM   #1
Pepsi Mechanic
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Default slight smell of antifreeze at start up

Just wondering if there is anything to worry about .. When starting the AA cold (and only cold ) I have a slight smell of antfreeze .. no leaks .. no smoke ... etc. This engine runs great , has good compression etc. As far as I know she has never been apart ... Should I possible check the torque on the head bolts ? The truck is only used for car shows and the odd parade now and then .. She is never road driven ... Should I even worry about it .. the antifreeze smell goes away in a minut or so ( I suspect the coolant residue is in the exhaust .. that just my guess ... Need some advice .... Thanks Harry / Pepsi Mechanic
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Old 06-12-2011, 06:12 PM   #2
bogdonj
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

I would keep an eye on it but wouldn't worry about it!
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Old 06-12-2011, 07:31 PM   #3
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

Yes, check the head nuts. I've been running an old used engine in my 28 while I rebuild the original engine. Last summer I pulled the plugs just to check the compression for the heck of it, then last fall I put my tool kit plug wrench to the head nuts and found a third of them a bit loose. I never smelled antifreeze and never had a leak, but I pulled then tight anyway.
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Old 06-12-2011, 08:17 PM   #4
Pepsi Mechanic
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

what is the torque ?
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Old 06-12-2011, 09:12 PM   #5
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

55 foot pounds. One at a time, back the nut off 1/8 turn, then with one smooth motion tighten to 55 ft. lbs.

I didn't have a torque wrench handy for mine, so I just tightened until I thought it was 55 foot pounds.
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Old 06-13-2011, 05:59 AM   #6
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

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.... Thanks for the input ... I will check her over this week ... I kinda like the wrench method .. gives you a feel as to how tight she is ... last thing I want to do is break a stud

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Old 06-13-2011, 09:14 AM   #7
Chris in WNC
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Default Re: slight smell of antifreeze at start up

my solution would be to purge the anti-freeze from the system in good weather..........
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