Weird smell when driving
fasligand
09-29-2004, 03:29 PM
Hey--
My '93 Metro recently developed a strange smell coming from under the hood. I say weird because I can't quite describe it. At first I thought it was electrical and looked at the wires under the dash, but upon further inspection it's definitely coming from under the hood, although it's tough to track from there.
Like I said, it's almost electrical or maybe like hot metal or something. Vaguely antifreezish, but not quite. I'm stumped precisely because I can't identify the odor.
The car has 113,000 miles. Radiator replaced four months ago. Thermostat replaced eight months ago. I've been told it might be either heater core leaking or a small oil leak on the head.
Anyone have a similar problem?
This car's just about had it--it's so jury-rigged, anyway, I'm ready to scrap it and get a new car. But until I can, it has to last. I don't want to pay for parts or service if I don't have to.
Thanks,
Tyson
My '93 Metro recently developed a strange smell coming from under the hood. I say weird because I can't quite describe it. At first I thought it was electrical and looked at the wires under the dash, but upon further inspection it's definitely coming from under the hood, although it's tough to track from there.
Like I said, it's almost electrical or maybe like hot metal or something. Vaguely antifreezish, but not quite. I'm stumped precisely because I can't identify the odor.
The car has 113,000 miles. Radiator replaced four months ago. Thermostat replaced eight months ago. I've been told it might be either heater core leaking or a small oil leak on the head.
Anyone have a similar problem?
This car's just about had it--it's so jury-rigged, anyway, I'm ready to scrap it and get a new car. But until I can, it has to last. I don't want to pay for parts or service if I don't have to.
Thanks,
Tyson
geozukigti
09-29-2004, 03:42 PM
The radiator could have a hairline crack in it. check and see if it's losing coolant. Also, you could have a leaky oil seal that's dripping oil on the exhaust. That stinks like hell too. One easy way(BE VERY CAREFUL) to tell if your radiator or cooling system is leaking...
Get a radiator cap that has a pressure relief lever on it
let the car warm up completely
flip the lever
If no coolant shoots over to the radiator tank by the battery, you have no cooling system pressure, and you have a leak
If coolant shoots over to the reserve tank, your cooling system is fine
Even the tiniest crack or leak in the cooling system will prevent it from building pressure
Oh, and one thing to check, is the radiator in the 89-94's are suspended from underneath. There's a "U" shaped bracket underneath the radiator that supports it's weight. The 2 bolts up top just secure it so it doesn't move. Make sure that lower support didn't rust and break off. I've seen several break off, then it leaves all the weight on the 2 bolts on top. That can cause stress cracks in the top tank of the radiator around where the mounting bolts hold it to the car.
Get a radiator cap that has a pressure relief lever on it
let the car warm up completely
flip the lever
If no coolant shoots over to the radiator tank by the battery, you have no cooling system pressure, and you have a leak
If coolant shoots over to the reserve tank, your cooling system is fine
Even the tiniest crack or leak in the cooling system will prevent it from building pressure
Oh, and one thing to check, is the radiator in the 89-94's are suspended from underneath. There's a "U" shaped bracket underneath the radiator that supports it's weight. The 2 bolts up top just secure it so it doesn't move. Make sure that lower support didn't rust and break off. I've seen several break off, then it leaves all the weight on the 2 bolts on top. That can cause stress cracks in the top tank of the radiator around where the mounting bolts hold it to the car.
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