Bought a 2004, 1500 with 5.7. I noticed that there is coolant leaking on the passenger floor, by the fire wall. On occasion, I can smell coolant when I run the truck or after I stop. I’ve checked the coolant level and it’s fine. Even the mechanic who replaced a ball joint said the same thing, and couldn’t find a leak. Yesterday I drove the truck a few miles, ran the A/C a few minutes and when I stopped, I could smell and see white smoke coming from under the hood. Also, there was coolant dripping onto the ground between the right front tire and the passenger side door. I couldn’t see where it was coming from. Any help from the group is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Is it actually coolant? Or is it just water? The A/C system will condense water out of the air, and there is a drain for just such an occasion in the location you are seeing water dripping.

 

If it colored or clear? Does it smell sweet or not have much of a smell. The a/c condensate drain is in that area. When your a/c cools the air, water condenses out and there is a small drain to let it out. This is normal. The coolant smell may be a VERY small leak trying to start. It may also be some that was spilled when filling the coolant and is just cooking off. As long as the coolant level stays up, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Yes, it’s definitely anti freeze

 

Is there a flow control valve on the heater hoses? Of is it the typical constant-flow system? Do you see it dripping any other time? Just running the engine? Heater and a/c off?

 

I was going to say something similiar. Usually water drips on the ground when running the AC, similiar to one you put in a window in a home, and the water drips from the back of it onto the ground.

 

Yes, it’s definitely anti freeze; green in color and sweet taste. I just topped off the reservoir and took it for a spin without running the AC. Still saw some drips but it might be over spill so I’ll wait a day to run it again.

 

Have a look at the heater hoses. That's about the only thing I can think of that would leak coolant back there. Are you getting coolant on the floor of the truck??? (inside...)

 

Yes, I am. It’s coming under the dash from the vents I assume

 

Bummer. It sounds like you have a leak on the heater core. This is a bad time of year for that. However, before you tear the dash apart, check the heater hoses to make sure they're snug. I found a video in YouTube that shows an overview of what is involved.


Personally, if it was my truck and I had something else to drive and could do it in my garage, I'd probably do it myself. However, it's pretty involved with some specialty equipment for the a/c system.Most people would be better off to take it to a shop. Let them bust their knuckles and scratch their arms. Just write a check or run your card through. This is one of those things I don't tell everybody to do themselves.I think I'd rather swap an engine out than pull the dash.