doobman

Since our WRX went in for its 1000 mile oil change we're getting fumes coming thru the ventilation system. It only happens when the engine is hot, the ventilation fan is on and the car is stationary. Initially I thought it was just spilt oil on the exhaust or heat shields but after 400 miles it can't be that. Its been back to the dealer's and had the oil and filter replaced for a second time but with no improvement. Is anybody else getting this problem? I need some ammo to take to the dealer as i feel I'm about to get the "Characteristic of the car" spiel.

philgr

Sounds like spilt oil to me,

Phil G

Pro Boy

No smell in car on the move with fan on, is it dust or traffic film on filter burning off?

doobman

It's a really strong smell of hot oil and appears after about 20 seconds of being stationary, only with the fan on. It's really noticeable when you pull up at lights or a roundabout. We're currently in the habit of either turning the fan off as we stop or opening the windows. Strange but they didn't mention it as a feature when we bought the car!

[Edited by doobman - 4/19/2003 8:18:14 PM]

Pro Boy

smell of oil would be there all the time, strange one.

hope you find the smell and get it sorted

kevin finch

new o3 with 1700 on the clock sorry mate but no oil smell (kids whiff though)

blip

Got exactly the same problem!! I have an 03 WRX wagon with PPP fitted, and since the 1000 mile service I get a smell of oil when I pull up after a run. Thought the same as you that it was some oil the mechanic spilt at the service but I have done about another 300 miles and still get the smell!! I have checked the oil level and if anything it seems a bit high, and there is no sign that the car is leaking oil anywhere. Weird!!

I also get a really strong smell of burning plastic outside of the car but I think this is coming from the new Prodrive exhaust - some coating burning off or something.

Anyway let me know if you get to the bottom of it and I'll do likewise. I'm hoping to get mine back to the dealer in the next week.

blip

Would be interested to know if anyone else has had this problem??

EvilKyote

Yep, I have a MY96 and I get it, mostly when stopped! and mainly after hard driving! It's annoying but I know I have a small oil leak but haven't gotten round to fixing it yet!

It's most likely oil dripping onto the v.hot exhaust! Try looking down the side of the engine at the exhaust a look for what look like brunt oil deposits or something similar!

And you could do what I do, Take shares out in halford airfresheners! I have 5 at the moment

St Andy

Could be the seals gone on your power steering leaking oil.

blip

Weirdest thing is that the car does not 'appear' to be losing oil - no oily patches under car, oil level is fine - and the smell is not really detectable when stood outside or with head under the bonnet. Get back in the car and with the ventilation system working you smell it straight away.

Harry_Boy

Could be hot wax in the engine bay area - had this for a while in my MY02 when it was new.

blip

No I know the smell you mean, but this is definitely oil and it only appeared after the 1000 mile service.

Josh L

My previous dealer damaged a seal when replacing the gearbox on my old '98, and I ended up with the same problem (clouds of smoke from underneath and through the vents).

The reason I mention it, is that after they fixed it, it took a couple of months to get rid of the last of the smoke and odour as fluid had spill into the shields.

Get the dealer to check for leaks, but if it turns out to be spillage, be prepared for a bit of a wait before it clears.

Josh