95 SWB smells like coolant and blows air bubbles
My 95 has recently has all coolant hoses and t-stat replaced b/c of air in the heater core. Air bubbles came back and turns out the expansion tank cap was leaking, so replaced that. The bubbles have come right back, but before i go any further there are other issues that I am beginnng to wonder if they are related.
First issue is ticking (from LH bank). Indy says it is definitly the lifters, and also found the valley gasket leaking pretty good...which is a new leak. I bought the car 2 months ago and had my indy look everyhting over and it wan't there then. Basically the car runs fine, but just sounds aweful. They gave me an estimate and indicated that is was not the head gasket.
SO after they looked at and gave me the estimate, this morning I smelled a strong odor of coolant. The car has had minor coolant smell since dealing with the hoses, but would be a 2 on a scale of 1-10. Today it smells like a 7, and I notice a wet spot on the driveway directly under the left side of the radiator. Coolant level was fine..no loss, but did let of a good loud hiss when I loosened the cap.
There is oil on the cooler line and appears that is the source of the drip (i guess it could be vally gasket related). There was also a little steam coming from the front side of the radiator, but alas it will not do it again. Just smells strong. I have driven around, pushed it pretty good and checked under the hood and the temp. always stays right where it should be...no indication of running warm or signs of steam again..just smells like coolant.
I am starting to panic. In 2 months I've done the cat y pipe, all hoses, pressure tested it and it held well, and also flushed and topped off coolant. Also did the 60k service about 2 weeks ago.
So my question is: do you think all of this could be related. My indy said it is not the head gasket, but I am beginning to wonder. ANy advice would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get it running well and give me some confidence in her. Also if we're going to get into it, anything else I should service while the valley gasket, vc gaskets, etc.. are being done
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