I had the timing belt and pump changed a few weeks back and every now and then when i start the car i get a faint smell of what i can only describe is a screenwash smell or a chemical smell in the cabin after start up it then goes away.

I've never had this before the belt change.

Any idea's?? i'm thinking the new pump has a leak.

I had the timing belt and pump changed a few weeks back and every now and then when i start the car i get a faint smell of what i can only describe is a screenwash smell or a chemical smell in the cabin after start up it then goes away.

I've never had this before the belt change.

Any idea's?? i'm thinking the new pump has a leak.

Is the coolant level dropping?

Dead give-away if it is!

Dave

Not that i have noticed, not dramatically anyway, i might make a wee mark on the tank when cold and keep and eye on it.

coolant is a sticky pungent product, and if any was spilt (and when the water pump came out it will have) the smell will be there for a few days at least i would have thought

3 weeks though seems a tad long for it to hang around, infact this has only just appeared the last few days, i'm thinking the pump has a tiny leak.

ahhh........... watch your levels, and get em to fix it if its leaking. They must use a new belt if it is pump, you cant remove and refit them

If you garage it how about putting some white kitchen roll under where the pump is (when it finally stops raining)- that way you'll see any drops easily- I don't know where the pump is (sorry for being a dumb blonde on this) but if it's visible are there any coolant stains showing around it? again if it's accessable try wiping with some kitchen towel tho se if it picks anything up in case the leak is only slight?

cheers

Ade

A good strategy Littleade for some types of leaks, like from hoses for instance, but my leaking water pump showed no trace of leaking antifreeze anywhere under or around the outside of the engine.

Because the pump is tucked away in the engine block and behind the cam belt covers in the PDs, it was being caught there and then evaporating away with the engine heat. Watching the coolant bottle level is a sure way of telling.

Cheers Skodacarman

It was just a thought, as I've used similar tricks to find oil leaks in the past....

I wasn't sure where the waterpump was on a PD, but now you've pointed out where it is my suggestion prob won't help. I seem to remember seeing on the TV once someone using a pressure test where they pumped the coolant system up to a certain pressure using a specially adapted cap with a gauge on it and left it to see if the pressure dropped (seem to recall it was to see if the cylider head gasket had gone, but may be an alternative to waiting to see what happened to the coolant level, though it might only be happening when the engine cools down as the various bits and pieces contract at different rates? or am I talking **** again!)

Might be worth booking it in and taking it back to where the work was done even if they find nothing? that way if it does become a problem in the future Grizzle can prove there was an issue just a couple of weeks after they did the original work? They may even have other ideas to how to check it out.

cheers

Ade

Have you found out the cause of this yet? i had my belt & water pump replaced recently & the dealer left the air filter pipe retaining clip off & a pipe not clipped in near the engine mounting which was catching on the engine mount! & they over filled the coolant reservoir too! i had no smell of coolant though.

DM Keith by any chance!?

DM Keith by any chance!?

You are correct!

I was going to replace it myself but i hurt my back & was put on light duties at work for 6 weeks & didnt want to leave it that long so i thought dealer fit as they owed me a discount on the job from the last service.

Not yet car goes in on friday night to the garage to have the gearbox pulled in prep for the clutch so will investigate it then, been checking the coolant daily lol, not smelled it for a few days though.

Hello Grizzle, I have exactly the same problem as you and I suspecting new water pump leaking. I've gone to the garage where they installed my new Timing Belt and Water Pump but they won't inspect the water pump because of difficulty to have access.

 

What was your problem finally?

 

Tks!

 

Sebas.