[Ajax915]

So I had my OFH replaced about 2 months ago. Ever since, when the engine is warmed up and been driving around, I get this coolant smell from the engine bay. The smell doesn’t come thru cabin when I have A/C on nor does it seep thru vents when I have the windows up. I usually ride with windows down and I’ll get the smell of coolant when wind blows inside the car. Before replacing OFH, the car was completely drained of coolant twice before I initially took it to get repaired. So the bottom engine shrouds did get soaked. Could this be where the smell is coming from when the engine is hot ?

[jagyro]

Bmw engines are some of the hottest running engines in the world. It very well could be left over coolant just burning off. If you cant find a leak or a super strong smell after driving around and popping the hood i wouldnt worry to much about it. give it a month or so. Just take it to a manual carwash and spray the crap out of it to try to get as much of the residue off. Just wait for the block to cool off a bit before blasting it with cold water though

[Ajax915]

Originally Posted by jagyro

Bmw engines are some of the hottest running engines in the world. It very well could be left over coolant just burning off. If you cant find a leak or a super strong smell after driving around and popping the hood i wouldnt worry to much about it. give it a month or so. Just take it to a manual carwash and spray the crap out of it to try to get as much of the residue off. Just wait for the block to cool off a bit before blasting it with cold water though

I do get a sweet smell after popping the hood though, but no signs of leaks. I do need to wash m it out to see if it helps with the smell any. Thank you

[Joe-BMW33]

It still could be burn off, but I suspect it is not after two months. When my turbo lines went and they were replaced, the burn off smell lasted only a few days until completely burnt off. Turbo line failure leaks to the valley pan, so maybe different than yours?

If you still have a leak, at some point soon, you should get a low coolant message, then you know it is leaking from somewhere. If you don't, it could just be the coolant powder is blowing off very slowly from wherever it is lodged and it may not be in an area with high heat to help it along. Have a good look at the engine bay and try to wipe off any visible residue.

[Ajax915]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

It still could be burn off, but I suspect it is not after two months. When my turbo lines went and they were replaced, the burn off smell lasted only a few days until completely burnt off. Turbo line failure leaks to the valley pan, so maybe different than yours?

If you still have a leak, at some point soon, you should get a low coolant message, then you know it is leaking from somewhere. If you don't, it could just be the coolant powder is blowing off very slowly from wherever it is lodged and it may not be in an area with high heat to help it along. Have a good look at the engine bay and try to wipe off any visible residue.

Appreciate it boss. I set an appointment with the shop who replaced my OFH to do another pressure test

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by jagyro

Bmw engines are some of the hottest running engines in the world. It very well could be left over coolant just burning off. If you cant find a leak or a super strong smell after driving around and popping the hood i wouldnt worry to much about it. give it a month or so. Just take it to a manual carwash and spray the crap out of it to try to get as much of the residue off. Just wait for the block to cool off a bit before blasting it with cold water though

Audi has lots of coolant issues, too.

The problem is plastic and heat.

Pro tip: remove the engine cover. And never put it back on.