Why does my motorcycle smell like coolant?
For example, if you have a liquid-cooled engine, you may be able to smell the super-sweet odor of coolant even before you can see where it’s coming from. That strange odor along with white, steam-like vapor or smoke coming from your exhaust may be telling you about a blown head gasket.
Why does my car smell like fuel after a hot shutoff?
On older cars–pre-1980 or so–some odor after a hot shutoff is normal from fuel afterboil in the carburetor float bowl. Modern cars have an evaporative-emissions system that’s tighter than our managing editor’s deadline schedule, so any fuel smell means something is wrong.
Why does my car smell bad when I Turn on the AC?
It might be coming from a leaky radiator cap or the radiator itself, especially if you smell it outside the car. A strong odor inside the passenger compartment probably means a bad heater core. WHEN: You turn on the heater/air-conditioner fan and you get a whiff of that high-school gym locker.
Why does my air conditioner smell like gym lockers?
A strong odor inside the passenger compartment probably means a bad heater core. (2) SMELLS LIKE: WHEN: You turn on the heater/air-conditioner fan and you get a whiff of that high-school gym locker. THE CULPRIT: It’s good, old-fashioned mildew growing in the moisture condensing inside your a/c evaporator.
Why does my catalytic converter have a rotten egg smell?
A sulfur or “rotten egg” smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. Ammonia (NH 3) odor may also indicate poor catalyst function. If the catalytic converter’s housing is discolored or warped, there may be internal leakage or overheating.
Why does a motorcycle engine smell like antifreeze?
Some motorcycle engines are still air-cooled, rather than using any sort of coolant. When it comes to modern cars, though, they generally use antifreeze in order to keep them cool. Antifreeze has a very distinct sort of smell: it’s hard to describe, but you’ll know it when you smell it.
Why does my car have a pungent smell?
Sometimes, a pipe or hose running to or from your radiator might spring a leak. As coolant drips out, it could hit a hot part of your engine, begin to evaporate, and create a pungent odor that you’ll be able to detect.
Where does the coolant go in a car?
Coolant is a fluid that helps the engine to maintain its optimal temperature. The liquid has to be a 50/50 mix of water and ethylene glycol. It travels from the engine to radiator through a special hose.
How can I tell if my car is leaking coolant?
It drains out the coolant very quickly and there is likely to be a puddle of coolant under the vehicle, so the problem is easy to spot. You will be able to find the leak just by observing the radiator and the hose. Coolant external leak.