I noticed a week or so ago that I can smell a bit of antifreeze when the air is on in the Grand Marquis. My first thought is heater core, which would really suck. I also noticed the last time I drove it that the belt was squeaking a bit. Today I took it to the store and it was squeaking a lot, so when I got home I popped the hood to check it out. Turns out coolant is leaking from the waterpump onto the belt and causing it to squeak. So that means it's time to do the waterpump. My question is would a waterpump on its way out cause me to smell it inside when the air is on? Maybe because fumes from the engine bay are getting pulled inside via the intake.

My other question is whether or not I should expect any surprises or problems draining the coolant. I've never drained it on a Panther before. The manual says there's a drain fitting that a 3/8" hose goes on, and you open it with a pair of pliers. Is it opening by just turning it, like to loosen a bolt? Will it give me problems?

 

Nevermind, I got it done.