Smells like Coolant / Burning Marshmallows

[Wesmertz]

In the past couple weeks there have been a couple times where I smell coolant. Always after driving it seems. Narrowed it down to the tail pipe I think. I just got home from a couple hours or driving. I did throw it in sport mode and ran a little harder once I hit the freeway (about 7 miles). Turned off all traction control/stability features. Never went over 5000 rpm’s. When I pulled in the garage there was a definite burning smell (like burned sugar or marshmallows) coming from the engine compartment. Plus that coolant smell from the tail pipe. No smoke anywhere. Coolant levels are fine. No issues with the temp gauge. No issues running. Nothing leaking. What do you guys think? I have 8800 miles. That was my second time driving “aggressively” so she’s babies 98% of the time.

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[machinist85]

I would mark the coolant level on the reservoir and keep an eye on it. I've never heard of these trucks having issues with the head gasket so it's probably nothing.

 

[IdahoRanger]

I would mark the coolant level on the reservoir and keep an eye on it. I've never heard of these trucks having issues with the head gasket so it's probably nothing.

This, and there have been several on this forum that have a "burning" smell when parking in the garage. I've had a few instances myself.

 

[AvockAdoo]

I've smelt this on mine after driving hard too - I havent seen any other issues pop up, and attribute it to something getting hot, and making a smell. Usually after a hard drive, I'll let it idle for 2-3 minutes at my destination to let the turbo and all associated hardware cool off. Those things get HOT.

 

[9zero1790]

could just be that new ride things hot for the first few times smell. all the new fords ive had gave off a certain smell when new after getting nice and warm.

 

[Wesmertz]

I've smelt this on mine after driving hard too - I havent seen any other issues pop up, and attribute it to something getting hot, and making a smell. Usually after a hard drive, I'll let it idle for 2-3 minutes at my destination to let the turbo and all associated hardware cool off. Those things get HOT.

That’s actually a good idea.

 

[Dereku]

My wife's explorer with the 2.3 smelled all sorts of strange the first 10k or so. This truck, I have noticed zero smells. However she parks in the garage. I do not because I enjoy my work shop/gym area. I chalked it up to random oils and solvents on the plastic from production.

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