Coolant smell on my 9 hour drive?

[tx01tahoe]

While driving my 2001 Tahoe 5.3 from Houston to Lubbock, I smelled coolant in my cab a couple times throughout the trip. I can't recall the exact number but I know my engine temperature was 210-220 degrees F while the temperature outside is about 35. I popped the hood today and noticed residue on the fan shroud, which I am assuming is coolant. I had it pressurized and there were no leaks. I am not sure when the coolant was last replaced, I've only had the vehicle a couple weeks.

Isn't there a blowoff valve for if the engine overheats? The only thing is that my gague never reached above 220. Any input is appreciated.

Evan

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Im not familiar with any "blowoff valves" related to the cooling system . How did you pressurize it? with a rad cap pressure gauge? if so the leak maybe so minute that it will be able to hold pressure longer without dropping
By the way moving this to the engine/drive section

 

[tx01tahoe]

I was just told that about the blowoff valve so ill put that aside.

I ran it to a mechanic and he hooked up his tool to the coolant reservoir and it has a gauge, and he said it wasn't losing pressure. We lifted it up and looked underneath and saw nothing. It looks like it was coming from the front near the radiator but couldn't find anything.

 

[b4z]

We had the same thing. We had to get a new fan,assembly. It destroyed two water pumps. The pressure test did show anything. It took as two years to figure out.