Noob Question - Smell from Engine Bay

[neos281]

Hey guys! I hate to have this be my first post on this forum but I've been lurking around here for awhile and was a member on DFWstangs since '02.

I was hoping someone could help me diagnose an issue that came up a few days ago. My '03 mustang has been smelling like coolant or some other sweet/sugary smell both inside the car and around it. It's hard to pinpoint where it may be coming from but it's most evident when coming to a complete stop.

The car has a built motor with a kenne belle boost-a-pump, cobra tank, siemens 60lb injectors and then some. Thanks for offering up your opinions on the matter.

-Jared

[Baron Von Crowder]

Heater core leak?

[neos281]

Heater core leak?

I thought that could be it but I never use the heater and the floorboard isn't wet as mentioned in other threads. I guess this still could be a possibility though?

[Baron Von Crowder]

Yeah. Small drips smell up the car pretty easy. Look around wherever there is coolant.

[dee]

Intake leak, maybe. What other mods and 2v or 4v.

[neos281]

it's a built 2V Saleen Extreme. 3.73 gears, bassani mid length hears, chicane sport intercooler, 90mm mass air meter plus the mods mentioned above (cobra tank, focus fuel pumps, kenne belle boost-a-pump, siemens 60lb injectors).

To be honest, it needs a tune bad and has needed one for awhile. It's hard to get a day to go up to Dallas Mustang or another reputable tuner. So....I was just concerned about the possibilities of what it could be since it's already running kinda rich.

[Couver]

Coming to a stop might be leaving a coolant leak on the ground for you to smell... Maybe a pinhole leak in a radiator line? Or small crack in metal parts

[neos281]

Intake leak, maybe. What other mods and 2v or 4v.

Coming to a stop might be leaving a coolant leak on the ground for you to smell... Maybe a pinhole leak in a radiator line? Or small crack in metal parts

Here is what I can tell you so far:

I checked for leaks in my garage and could not find any. I guess there is still the possibility of a leak but not sure where to check on the car.

The smell just recently started 4 days ago however the car runs and drives fine (aside from idling rough and almost going dead at startup).

The car is driven about 30 miles a week. Its not driven hard although I did get on it earlier in the week to wake it up.

From the comments so far, I should just be looking for some sort of leak somewhere and not really worry about anything else?

[dee]

Pressure the system up and watch for leaks.

[neos281]

Pressure the system up and watch for leaks.

alright, I will try that and update the thread.

Appreciate the help

[silverhatch]

What intake?

[Couver]

Here is what I can tell you so far:

I checked for leaks in my garage and could not find any. I guess there is still the possibility of a leak but not sure where to check on the car.

The smell just recently started 4 days ago however the car runs and drives fine (aside from idling rough and almost going dead at startup).

The car is driven about 30 miles a week. Its not driven hard although I did get on it earlier in the week to wake it up.

From the comments so far, I should just be looking for some sort of leak somewhere and not really worry about anything else?

Worrying is why you are here we are just throwing out ideas.. I am far from an automotive guy to be honest. Just where there is a small problem it may lead to a bigger one..

The reason I said maybe pinhole leak in a line is under pressure it leaks but when not stressed it is ok...

Next thing in my mind would be to closely monitor fluid levels. Check before and after driving as a small leak over time will show a drop in theory.

Take it out and when you smell something pull over with it running and have a good look-see.... Best of luck the true knowledge base should be around shortly. My ideas are just picking the low hanging fruit so to speak.

[neos281]

What intake?

Here is a pic

[neos281]

Well I drove the car this morning and the smell is still present. Checked for leaks but nothing was found. The car still runs and drives the same.

[Snatch Napkin]

Look at the aluminum crossover on your intake.