Fishy Coolant?

[Hendry]

Don't laugh, I was cleaning and doing some checks on the car earlier, anyway, noticed the coolant was below the max level (but way above the min mark) and some water droplets on the top of the coolant expansion tank (car has been sitting since 11pm last night so not sure if the droplets themselves are cause for concern) but anyway took the cap off to smell and see if there was evidence of any oil in the coolant, paranoid the head gaskets away because I've previously found mayo under the oil cap although I've been told that it's common for mayo under oil caps on Clios due to plastic breather pipes getting blocked with the mayo if the cars only used for short runs, had a smell and no oily smell but fucking hell the coolant expansion tank or the coolant itself as well as the bottom of the cap stunk of a really fishy smell (can't smell it unless you put your nose about an inch from the open expansion tank with the lid off and smell in.

 

Now what could this be, I'm fairly certain it isn't meant to smell like this, is this a symptom of another issue or does the coolant simply need renewed, it's a 59 plate Clio, 45,000 miles, AFAIK this is the original coolant been in the tank since the car was built.

[Bobthebeard]

Don't laugh, I was cleaning and doing some checks on the car earlier, anyway, noticed the coolant was below the max level (but way above the min mark) and some water droplets on the top of the coolant expansion tank (car has been sitting since 11pm last night so not sure if the droplets themselves are cause for concern) but anyway took the cap off to smell and see if there was evidence of any oil in the coolant, paranoid the head gaskets away because I've previously found mayo under the oil cap although I've been told that it's common for mayo under oil caps on Clios due to plastic breather pipes getting blocked with the mayo if the cars only used for short runs, had a smell and no oily smell but fucking hell the coolant expansion tank or the coolant itself as well as the bottom of the cap stunk of a really fishy smell (can't smell it unless you put your nose about an inch from the open expansion tank with the lid off and smell in.

Now what could this be, I'm fairly certain it isn't meant to smell like this, is this a symptom of another issue or does the coolant simply need renewed, it's a 59 plate Clio, 45,000 miles, AFAIK this is the original coolant been in the tank since the car was built.

Expect several* jocular replies........ 3.2.1......

[vulgalour]

[standard lady parts reference #6]

 

 

Coolant does have a shelf life, it may have expired and require changing.

[Bobthebeard]

You are not alone.....

 

"95 accord lx.

 

So I was just checking out my coolant this morning. It was full and it looked dark greenish like (I dont know if thats normal). As I put my face close to the coolant, a strong smell of fish like odor just came out. I was wondering if this is normal? Or do I need to put in a new tank of coolant?"

 

Seems to be normal. Just smell of old coolant and rubber hoses etc.

[hauserplenty]

They all do that, sir.

[stuboy]

grab a garden hose and flush through

[twosmoke300]

Does it smell like the shithouse door on a fishing boat ?

[Micrashed]

Does it smell like Kippers or a Nuns Knickers on  a hot summers day?

[lovejoy]

It's probably emanating from the cat....  a little pussy in this case..... called "nicole"....

[saucedoctor]

5 year old coolant needs changed, regardless of anything else.

[Hendry]

5 year old coolant needs changed, regardless of anything else.

Timing belt kit, aux belt kit and water pump are due replacement at 5yrs/72K, car doesn't turn 5 until September so they aren't getting done until then, at which time coolant will obviously also need replaced, so no point doing it now and then again in 4/5 months.

[hauserplenty]

Maintenance like that is best done early. Broken timing belts are a drag. I've seen coolant dissolve water pump impellers long before the bearing fails, especially if it's in poor shape as you describe. May I also suggest a thermostat replacement along with the coolant--it's often overlooked but is a good idea after five years without a coolant change.

[Jim Bell]

Oh my Cod, youd better kipper-nye on that. Dont sniff it too much though, as the fumes will give you a right haddock. If experience has trout me anything, its not to listen to any of the other advice youre herring on here though. Im not even squidding.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

My advice is IGNORE, doesnt sound like owt to worry about, its not meant to smell like Ben & Jerry's Cookies and Cream or owt like that.

[Parky]

I always remember old coolant smelling odd like that. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

 

After all "shortly before my Clios head gasket went I got the tell tale whiff of Grimsby seafront" said nobody ever.

[Bobthebeard]

Just been out and poked my conk over the expansion bottle on the Honda Accord.

It smells fishy.

Bugger*

[the judge]

minge. fin.

[rml2345]

Mine doesn't exactly smell like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens either and the 740 expansion rank reeked spectacularly. Never did any harm.