I'm driving an 87 GXL NA

Originally my coolant level sensor had broken and coolant would seep its way out when cooling no biggie, I got used to the smell. Finally I found a Heli-coil that was the right size and installed a new level sensor and gasket. Problem lies here where could my coolant smell be coming from now? Hoses are fine, and I haven't seen any leaks in my endevours around the engine compartment.

Now the thing is it's random I can drive the car for 2 days and not smell it then all of a sudden a burst and its gone. I was thinking it might just be residual from havig it come through the vents for so long but figured someone might be able to give me some insight in case its something worse.

 

I've got a 87 also and I found a coolant hose behind the intake between the firewall and the intake...maybe thats whats leaking for you too.

 

leaking heater core *inside* the car? maybe only leaking enough that it boils off (and starts smelling) before it has time to drip?

 

Maybe the hose but iv checked em all and theres no sign of leakage. Heater core maybe, guess thats the next thing i get to figure out how to get too

 

ok I blew my heater core racing a BMW 530. so put a towel on your dash and let your car heat up and turn on your window defroster. those vents are the most direct so you can see if your heater core is your problem, unless you want to rip the whole dash out first. can be done in 3 hours with goo help. the towel is there so you don't mess up your windshield, burnt coolant takes forever to get off.

 

Small coolant leaks like this can be difficult to track down, I had the same problem with my old NA. Fortunately for me, I found the leak without having to play "find the smell" too much. If I had been a bit smarter at the time I would have bought myself some leak detection dye and saved myself a few hours.

 

You can use a coolant system pressure tester and it will show you where the leak is.

 

Vatozone rents them out, or they will probably let you use one for free in the parking lot.