2004 WRX Wagon radiator problem

[RickDC]

Looks like I have a leak right under the radiator cap after noticing white smoke and burning smell. I could see bubbling where the neck meets the plate. At first I thought it was just because I had more coolant than necessary but draining some coolant didn't resolve it. I'm also noticing a strong fuel smell coming through the vents while driving although maybe I'm mistaking it for burnt coolant. Anyone have ideas on how to fix or whether something else is wrong?

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[Smurftastic]

Maybe the cap is not sealing properly.... I bet new caps are cheap!

[Danthrax]

1. You should buy a new radiator cap and that should resolve the leaking coolant.

2. That smell is one of your fuel lines seeping fuel on top of your engine. It happens to all 2.0L wrxs and is a good idea to have it fixed.

I had number 2 done for free because I was covered under the wvk-21 SOA recall. You may have to front the bill though being a 04.

[Jessekrs123]

Yikes, clean that up quickly and get a new cap ASAP and see if that resolves your issue.

That burning hot coolant is not going to be good for your electrical if it is spilling all over your wiring, and from the looks of if there is dried up coolant on your loom there.

It is hard to mistake coolant for fuel. Maple syrup vs. fuel should be pretty clear. And as danthrax said, that recall is only for I believe 2002 WRXs, has something to do with modifying the fuel rails with a longer hard pipe and a shorter hose. Look that up in the Warrantee Issues forum, you can find it there.

[fastnoypi]

those metal coolant tanks often have pinhole breaks at the welds by the filler neck. Pull the whole tank off, clean it up and bring the top lid to your local muffler shop to reweld for a beer.