I have been getting a very strong coolant smell at startup for the last day or so. IT comes from around the drivers side front wheel. The coolant level is not low, so far. I can also smell it when I drive with the window down. Anybody had this problem on an 01 4.6?

 

Another member recently had a problem similar to yours, only worse. He actually saw coolant puddling, at times, under the truck. Turned out to be a broken radiator hose clamp.

Trace all the hoses to and from the radiator to check for coolant residue and dripping.

Might want to check the heater hoses too.

Make sure the pressure cap on the coolant tank is secure.

If you have the block heater, it could have come loose, so check that too.

I would have advised you to take it to the dealer and let them find the problem, but with your history, I think you need to find it yourself, then tell you dealer what's wrong.

 

How many miles on your 01? I also have a 01 4.6 had the same smell at start up thought it was my antifreeze, that was at around 9 thousand miles, smell got so bad i craled underneth and saw it was oil from head gasket dripping on to exasht, check it out you might have a bad head gasket,