So I've noticed an antifreeze smell for probably the past month or two. I've noticed recently that you can now see the coolant overflow loosing fluid. I looked and looked and can not see anything leaking. No puddles under the vehicle, etc... So I took it in a local shop to have them look. They also could not see any signs of leaks, so they did a block test. They told me.. Oh you have bad head gaskets... $2600... Hmmm, you can smell the antifreeze when you are walking around the outside of the vehicle, not out the tailpipe. So before I spent $2600 to fix head gaskets, I figured I'll get a 2nd shops opinion. Well they called and said they did a block test twice and both times it passed. They also did a pressure test and that was also good. They said they did remove part of the radiator shroud and said part of the radiator "looks" discolored and that it could be the source of a small leak. Burns off before it has a chance to drip. They said, there is definitely no head gasket issue and I should just drive it until the leak gets worse and I can identify where it is coming from. The heat works, the truck does not over heat, runs fine. Doesn't chug or anything when starting it like it'* leaking into a cylinder...

Anyone have any experience with this, or is there maybe some common things to look at or keep an eye out for?

If you can smell it, it is usually external........if real small, can be hard to detect....so I would add coolant dye, drive for a couple of days, and then use a black light to find the external leak....

When you turn your blower on, do you smell coolant from the vents?

Yes, I think you do smell it inside the cab, but I'm not 100% if it'* coming from the vents, but it'* a very good possibility. I do know my heater blower fan does have a noise/hum to it as well. Maybe the heater core? You wouldn't see that leak outside the vehicle would you?

What is the coolant die you are talking about? Never heard of that...Can you get the die with a black light inn a kit..?

Ah, I just did a quick search and now have dye and UV light on the way. i will add it and check it in a couple days. Thx for the tip Tech II!! Surprised neither shop suggested this... ESPECIALLY before a $2600 Head Gasket Repair...! Crazy

Actually it may have just revealed its self. Yesterday I wiped up a spot that would be right under the radiator on the overflow tank side of the radiator. This AM, it'* wet on the cement again in the same spot. Seems I'm losing about 1/4" of fluid from the reservoir a day. I can't tell exactly where it'* coming from but I think I'm on to something.