Smell detectives wanted (pongy V6...)

[Four Oaks Bookworm]

We've got a bad smell but can't work out the source .

Oil is probably OK (no warning light), coolant alarm hasn't gone off, temp gauge hasn't moved beyond 11 o'clock, engine cover in the cab isn't unduly hot, no leaks or oozing underneath, no reduction in performance, but after about 10 mins of normal running (urban and open road, doesn't seem to matter), there is a 'hot' smell, coming from underneath/front. The brakes have started to take a little longer to bite (not enough to make me think the servos have gone or anything), could it just be worn discs (we've only had it a month and the dealer did a full pre-delivery service)? I don't think its the waxoyl, as that smell was different (and has worn off now anyway).

Anyone any ideas?

[dunslair]

waxoyl smell may have been masking the other smell. Have a good look in the engine compartment with the van running first off. Check nothing has crawled into your engine tray and died as well Try with and without air con on as well. Our bongo had a rubbery smell early summer a couple of times, it passed quickly and seamed to be related to not having the aircon working

[New Forest Terrier]

I had a hottish fumy smell in my Bongo, also a V6. This was cheaply cured on John's advice (Francophile) to tighten up the engine cover clips under the two seats. A quick wack all round with the tent peg mallet cured the pong. This particuar pong was at its worst when reversing out of the drive in the morning. Most fumes around I guess.

I also found the waxoyl fumes took a really long time to clear completely. The first strong smell, went within a few weeks, but low key whiffs hung around for quite a bit longer.

[apole]

What does it smell of, oil?

If so check the lip of the sump all round, is it oily.

If so you could have a leak somewhere, the sump is slanted and any oil runs down and drips on the exhaust !!!

I've had this very thing and it stinks, when it gets hotter it burns off faster and you don't notice it too much.

Another thing is the summer winter lever under the bonnet on the air intake (this is for the ventilation). If set on winter it draws air from the underbonnet area so any smell gets into the car easier.

Andy

[Four Oaks Bookworm]

Thanks apole, there is some oil around the sump hole in the engine guard, but the oil level on the dipstick hasn't dropped (and there's no patch where we've parked). Think it's serious?

[g8dhe]

We suffer this, it comes and goes, depending on the breeze when you brake to a halt, then it comes on strong, however after a week or two ours fades again, it might even be due to a spot of oil missing the filling hole and running down as Apole suggests.

[apole]

Hi there,

If you have no leaking oil dripping onto the exhaust I'm sure it' somthing simple.

Reason I asked was that I had the same and others here said check for oil. Some of the V6 guys have had the oil seals on the ends of the camshafts go, quite pricey in labour to have that fixed.

Any oil leaks around the engine can drip down, the the sump has a ridge in it. Oil goes round that ridge and drips onto the exhaust, hence a bad smell.

Luckily I had a small leak but it was the sump gasket, much easier and cheaper to fix.

Here's a couple of pics from underneath showing the oil on the exhaust:





Worth checking but don't panic.

Only takes a very small amount to make a big stink !!!!

Andy