AttilaTheHun

I should have connected the dots earlier, but I have been smelling the sweet smell of antifreeze when I start up for about the last couple or three weeks (and my '06 2500 is not a daily driver). I did finally isolate it to the exhaust, and a small wet spot(about the size of a softball) underneath the motor that is definitely antifreeze but I don't get any of the classic white smoke coming out of the tailpipe along with the smell ... although with the after-treatment system, that may be potentially masking that symptom (?).

I just checked my crankcase oil and it is fine (no milkiness or emulsified look). The antifreeze in my coolant reservoir is at the low/fill mark (it's about half way between the low and high marks), but it may be a little lower than I last remember.

From what I generally know or have heard, smelling antifreeze in your exhaust typically points to a blown head gasket, cracked head, and I believe I heard once that it could also have something to do with injectors.

The engine has been running fine and I don't seem to be having any other issues, but this development does worry me. Also, my original dealership is a 6 hour trip from my location, so I don't know whether it would be a good idea to drive all that distance to get this looked into or not. (However, I don't really trust the service departments and mechanics at the two dealerships that are closer to my location to handle a major job ... should it turn into that).

I do have an Edge programmer but have never set above power mode 3 and have not abused the truck in anyway. I am also ashamed to say I'm not mechanically inclined either so I have to rely on a mechanic to get the work done. I live in Northeast OH if anyone knows of a good dealership that is trustworthy or an excellent mechanic I would greatly appreciate any suggestions

If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions on this, I would appreciate hearing them.

Thanks in advance.

Attila

staarma

The 06's are notorious for leaking anitfreeze out of a coolant hose connector under the exhaust manifold just to the rear of and behind the wastegate on the turbo. There was a TSB for this I think. Search 2006 coolant leak on here and you will find tons of threads/posts. Good luck.

05 CTD2500

2006 models do not come with the aftertreatment (DPF) on the exhaust, that started on the 6.7's in 2007.5 models. I doubt you have antifreeze in the exhaust it sounds like you just have a leak somewhere else in the cooling system, maybe the exhaust is just mixing up the air a little so you smell the antifreeze also. I bet you would be able to find it if you look at everything after getting the engine up to normal operating temperature. Might check the little hose that comes from the side of where the radiator cap is, there probably isn't a clamp on it if it is kinked or loose it could leak (read that somewhere never had a problem myself).