MrBlueSTI

Happy New Year all!

I have a 2005 STI Blobeye Widetrack with Prodrive Pack. I have only had this car a few months, but have noticed, that when starting the car from cold (usually in the garage), the car smells as though the fuel mixture is very, very rich. It really is very potent. Has anyone else had this issue and where do I start with looking for the cause? I have used the OBDC reader and there are no error codes. I guess the MAF sensor would be a good start? I also think there might be a valve seal gone as when the engine is hot, I can hear hot liquid dropping onto the manifold. I need to get the car lifted in the warmer weather to have a look. Not sure if the two issues are related.

If anyone has experienced this previously, any advice would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks all.

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

thats normal operation as part of cold start it will run rich until it gets up to temp when it should be at its correct idle CO%/AFR - and will be more apparent in winter when its at its coldest - hence why your MOT emissions are taken when the car is fully up to temp

if you car hear hot liquid dropping onto a manifold then you should then be also able to see smoke/steam in & around the engine bay

if youve only had the car a matter of months is it likely youre only starting to get to grips with the behaviour of the car and its nuances? id definitely suggest giving it to a specialist to give it a once over to give you peace of mind with the car

scoobaholic

I have a 05 PPP as well and get rich/petrol smell on cold starts and definitely no leaks. I'd follow Gambits advice just to be sure.

MrBlueSTI

Thank you guys. I had a 2004 STI back when they were new, but I never remember it smelling as rich as this one. But many years have passed since then, so I am going on distant memory only.

@Gambit when the hot liquid drops on the manifold you do see steam and get a hiss noise every couple of seconds when the engine is hot. The steam is coming from the front right-hand side of the engine bay as you look in from the front, so next to the passenger side wheel arch. She is locked away for the winter now, so there is no imminent risk at present. I will get the undertray off in the next couple of weeks and try and identify the exact cause. However, I will look to take her to a specialist to have a look over. I am in South Wales, is there any body recommended on here in this area?

Thanks all.

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

The water pump is located on front right side of engine, so maybe the gasket has a small weep. as you say, it should be handy enough to spot any leak once the undertrays are off and you can get a look around the underside of it.

unfortunately i dont know anyone in South Wales as i'm N.Ireland based

There are no doubt a few members on here from your region or there is a South Wales Subaru Owners club on facebook that might help pinpoint recommend people

you could also try posting in the Wales section on here and see what bites you get

MrBlueSTI

Thanks @Gambit , I think you are right that its the water pump. Its definitely water and not oil. I will get the undertray off and have a look.

Thanks again for all your help, it really is very much appreciated.

Fizz

iTrader: (1)

Not sure whether the fuel pipes are routed the same way on an STI but when I had my 2001 WRX I had no end of problems with fuel smells and drips from under the manifold when it was cold. I had to have the manifold off and replaced the hoses several times until I discovered that the fuel rail itself was pourous and when cold would emit a fuel vapour smell as well.. when the engine was warm the smell went away.. took years of winters to find that!

MrBlueSTI

Thank you @Fizz, I will take a look at the fuel rail while under there.

Thanks again.

VFR22B

Pleiades Performance are in South Wales and can datalog your car if you need

MrBlueSTI

Thanks @VFR22B , just checked out their website, they sound perfect. Once I get under and see where the water dropping is coming from, I will give them a shout and get some data logging carried out.