PFB

2001 Lexus ES300, 86,000 Miles/

When I open my hood after the car has been running, I can detect a very slight odour of antifreeze. The odour disappears within a few short minutes of the engine being turned off.

It seems to originate in the general are of the top portion of the LOWER Radiator hose, yet I can not see any antifreeze leak whatsoever.

I also noticed that I am loosing a minute amount of antifreeze every few months. Maybe 1-2 Oz. in total.

Could the hose clamp, be just loose enough to allow some antifreeze fumes to escape, but not any liquid antifreeze to escape?

Car runs perfectly, and Engine temperature is always stable.

I know that this may sound like a trivial issue compared to some of the other issues that some members are currently experiencing, but I am **** about this car, and its rather annoying me. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Phil

renatodato

Do a pressure test on the radiator. You may have a slow leak somewhere. When was the last time the radiator was drained and flushed? Be sure to use OEM antifreeze from Toyota or Lexus

LeX2K

If you smell coolant, you have a leak. The upper and lower hoses do fail after a time it's very common. Replace them both, use the original clamps not the screw clamps. And yes if you can do a pressure test, it finds leaks very quickly.

Fill with Toyota coolant as mentioned!