Seems after running the van then parking it, I smell antifreeze as I walk in front of my van. It's not real strong but noticeable. It has a new radiator three years ago along with a thermostat. The van runs great with no leaking anywhere, over heating or coolant loss in the radiator. How is this possible? Is there something I should look for? It's a '96 with the 5.2, 318.

 

Could be a minuscule drip allowing coolant onto the engine where it evaporates.

 

Or a pinhole leak in a hose.

 

Thanks guys! I'll have to start looking/investigating a little closer to see what I can find..

 

Mine was same a couple years ago after changing the thermostat and housing, upper hose too. I had clamped the hose tight at both ends knowing it's a hassle to go back and have a leak at the housing but with a few heat cycles it began to have a small leak. I think the pressure buildup loosened it enough to allow coolant to pool up after shut down around the thermostat housing. Take a flashlight and inspect in that area, (I know, not much room to see) to see if that may be where the leak might be...
I had set the clamps so could get to it just pulling the alternator aside. I ended up doing that, re-tightening the clamp and adding another one, same for at the radiator as it had developed just some slight wetness around that connection there.

 

JFloors, Thank you for explaining and helping out. This weekend I'll pop the hood as well as the inside cover to get a direct look at the engine to see what I can find. It sounds like you may be right as I have no leaks underneath the van. There has to be a small pool/leak on the engine somewhere.. I should have everything replaced as it's pretty old and due. Two years ago my mechanic said everything looked great. Since the thermo, housing and hoses are fairly cheap I should probably go ahead and replace them. Thanks again!