Is a coolant smell inside the cabin but for you

CCFMJL · 21st July 2019, 17:05

I know it's bad but how bad, I get whiffs all the time, not strong but enough to make it not nice. I try not to drive unless I need to and then just local and with all the windows open at least 4 inches.

But when out the other day for about an hour all in but felt nauseous and a bit of a headache.

Thing is so far there is no damp carpet and only the drivers side windows steam up a bit of closed when parked. I know it will probably be the matrix.

CCFMJL · 21st July 2019, 19:08

It probably is never mind

trikey · 21st July 2019, 19:46

If the windows steam up, check your plenum! Chances are its blocked and the pollen filter is damp causing the smell.

CCFMJL · 21st July 2019, 22:06

It's a coolant smell hence asking how bad it is breathing it but nobody knows.

clf · 21st July 2019, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCFMJL

It's a coolant smell hence asking how bad it is breathing it but nobody knows.

I would be willing to bet that it would be non fatal when measured in PPM figures.

What would concern me more would be driving with what must be an obvious coolant leak. I believe that the sound deadening material can absorb quite a capacity of fluid, much more than the contents of the cooling system, so therefore you would unlikely feel the dampness on the surface.

Have you checked the coolant level?

Additionally, if you are becoming nauseous with the fumes, after a period of time, I would investigate still further for CO or other noxious fume leaks.

T-Cut · 22nd July 2019, 10:23

@CCFMJL
It could help to know which engine this is. If the coolant smell is as bad as it sounds, I'd suggest it's leaking onto a very hot surface and decomposing into acrid vapours (aldehydes). The KV6 for example is especially prone to leakage onto the heads where is sits and cooks. However the K16 can do similar things depending on where the leak is.

Inhaling anything until you feel nauseous is not good, whatever it is.

TC

CCFMJL · 22nd July 2019, 20:34

Sorry 1.8 petrol

Had it checked today and seemingly no leaks but made a proper join on the exhaust where the mid section joins the flexi. There's still a slight whiff of what I still think is coolant in the vents but not as bad.

He said to put a new pollen/cabin in, run a few days and see how it is.

Heddy · 23rd July 2019, 04:26

Is a coolant smell bad for you? Well of course it is, it's diluted anti freeze. I test drove a 1.8 once with a view to buying, could smell coolant so walked away. I think your problem needs investigating, it certainly isn't normal.

21st July 2019, 17:05	#1
CCFMJL Regular poster MGF Join Date: May 2019 Location: Glasgow Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 4 Posts	Is a coolant smell inside the cabin bad for you I know it's bad but how bad, I get whiffs all the time, not strong but enough to make it not nice. I try not to drive unless I need to and then just local and with all the windows open at least 4 inches. But when out the other day for about an hour all in but felt nauseous and a bit of a headache. Thing is so far there is no damp carpet and only the drivers side windows steam up a bit of closed when parked. I know it will probably be the matrix. Last edited by CCFMJL; 21st July 2019 at 17:16..

21st July 2019, 19:46	#3
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,760 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	If the windows steam up, check your plenum! Chances are its blocked and the pollen filter is damp causing the smell. __________________ Lest we forget..

22nd July 2019, 10:23	#6
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,751 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	@CCFMJL It could help to know which engine this is. If the coolant smell is as bad as it sounds, I'd suggest it's leaking onto a very hot surface and decomposing into acrid vapours (aldehydes). The KV6 for example is especially prone to leakage onto the heads where is sits and cooks. However the K16 can do similar things depending on where the leak is. Inhaling anything until you feel nauseous is not good, whatever it is. TC Last edited by T-Cut; 22nd July 2019 at 10:26..

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21st July 2019, 19:08	#2
CCFMJL Regular poster MGF Join Date: May 2019 Location: Glasgow Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 4 Posts	It probably is never mind

21st July 2019, 22:06	#4
CCFMJL Regular poster MGF Join Date: May 2019 Location: Glasgow Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 4 Posts	It's a coolant smell hence asking how bad it is breathing it but nobody knows.

22nd July 2019, 20:34	#7
CCFMJL Regular poster MGF Join Date: May 2019 Location: Glasgow Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 4 Posts	Sorry 1.8 petrol Had it checked today and seemingly no leaks but made a proper join on the exhaust where the mid section joins the flexi. There's still a slight whiff of what I still think is coolant in the vents but not as bad. He said to put a new pollen/cabin in, run a few days and see how it is.

23rd July 2019, 04:26	#8
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	Is a coolant smell bad for you? Well of course it is, it's diluted anti freeze. I test drove a 1.8 once with a view to buying, could smell coolant so walked away. I think your problem needs investigating, it certainly isn't normal.