Hey all,

My car seems to be leaking coolant again, as I have to top it off every morning and the sweet smell of coolant is apparent. I also noticed when I was topping off the car with oil (and actually changing the oil a week later) that there is whitish sludge on the oil cap. I've done some forum searching, but can't find anything specific to this description.

Is it possible that my inability to find a visible leak is because it's getting into the motor? If so, what to do?

Much appreciation.

 

it is getting into the motor, but the white stuff on the oil cap is just normal condensation, they all do it.

pressure test the cooling system, if you're lucky its a water pump, or something

 

WHERE is the sweet smell of coolant noticeable? In the engine compartment, or from the exhaust? If it's in the engine compartment, you probably have a relatively easy fix (hose radiator, gasket, etc. leaking). if it's from the exhaust you may have a bad internal coolant seal.

As the previous post said, do a pressure test to diagnose it.

 

So the white stuff on the oil cap is normal? I noticed this the other day at the track and got worried that I may have blown a seal or something.

 

Now I've heard and searched and everybody states that the white sludge is normal.

I however have only seen this on one rx7 (and I have had more then a few, plus my friends have a few also) and it was after it had sat for a year or so. Now you don't see any white sludge on the oil cap.

I would think a little build up would be ok, meaning some water moister is in the oil. That is due to condensation and temp changes.

But if you see a lot of build up and are constantly wiping it away pretty quickly along with coolant loss then you may have a larger problem.

Good Luck.

 

Mine has had the white sludge for at least six years. After you warm it up thouroughly (and are finished driving it for the day), remove the oil cap.
If you park in a garage leave the hood open to remind yourself to replace the cap before you start the engine. If you park outside, place the cap on the dash to remind yourself.
The sludge will evaporate. Be careful, it's acidic and will burn your hands. You may also notice how it removes the paint from the inside of the oil filler tube.

If you do have a coolant leak into the oil system it will make the sludge problem worse, but your oil will also start turning white. BTW, the RX-8 also suffers from the sludge. I suspect it's made worse by the poor "crankcase" ventilation in the rotary engine.

 

check the Rubber coolant hose behind and underneath the ALternator....mine had a very slight cut in it cause me to loose coolant and constantly smell it every day....its about 9/16" around and about 3-4"s long.

 

Thanks for all the replies. When I get back into town I'll double check the lines again (I didn't check under the alternator).

I do happen to smell the coolant most when the car's vents are on, but not in the exhaust. It's also pretty strong when the hood is popped, but again, I see no signs of split lines. If I learn more I'll post it.