Troubleshooting my 2011 Can-Am Commander's coolant issue

[Semmi_]

My 2011 Can-Am Commander barely loses water and doesn't overheat. No water in oil or smoke, but there's a sweet antifreeze smell when running, could it be a head gasket or cracked head? How do I tell if it's the front or back cylinder, should I try stop leak to fix the smell?

 

[Commandeer]

My 2011 Can-Am Commander barely loses water and doesn't overheat. No water in oil or smoke, but there's a sweet antifreeze smell when running, could it be a head gasket or cracked head? How do I tell if it's the front or back cylinder, should I try stop leak to fix the smell?

That sweet antifreeze smell definitely points to a coolant leak... I don't know if it's a gasket or a small crack. Skip the stop leak at first and try a compression test or a leak-down test to narrow down which cylinder's acting up. It's important for you to find the root.

 

[lolipop_9]

My 2011 Can-Am Commander barely loses water and doesn't overheat. No water in oil or smoke, but there's a sweet antifreeze smell when running, could it be a head gasket or cracked head? How do I tell if it's the front or back cylinder, should I try stop leak to fix the smell?

bro, do a really thorough visual inspection when the engine is cold and then again when it's hot and running. Look for any pink/green crusty residue or wet spots around hose clamps, the thermostat housing, the water pump, and especially around the head gasket lines on both cylinders. Sometimes a tiny weep won't drip but leaves a visible trace

 

[commando]

You might want to check the bleed screw, it could leak just a tiny bit, enough to cause a noticeable problem, but not easily visible.