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Oily smell when blower on

Tiny
NOTJACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,649 MILES
Just bought car two weeks ago as rebuilt. Last night when heater blower was on started smelling like old oil on hot element. Turn blower off then no smell so no smell with just heat on. Heat gauge remained less than half.

Today same thing. Car drives okay, but when turn blower on the smell starts. It is very strong and have to open the windows.
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Saturday, November 19th, 2016 AT 1:25 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
See if you have coolant dripping/ present at the A/C condensate drain (where the A/C normally drips from onto the ground). If it is present, your heater core may be leaking.

Sometimes, especially when it is cold weather, you may see steam coming out of the vents.

Everybody's sniffer is different, normally a sweet kind of smell is present.

The Medic
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Saturday, November 19th, 2016 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
See if you have coolant dripping/ present at the A/C condensate drain (where the A/C normally drips from onto the ground). If it is present, your heater core may be leaking.

Sometimes, especially when it's cold weather, you may see steam coming out of the vents.

Everybody's sniffer is different, normally a sweet kinda smell is present.

The Medic
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Saturday, November 19th, 2016 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
NOTJACK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had a heater core problem with a sweet smell with a previous vehicle so I know what you are talking about, but not this time. No steam nor leaks(that I have found yet). It is definitely a very strong old hot oil (could be plastic) smell.
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Sunday, November 20th, 2016 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
NOTJACK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My fault. I "forgot" (been told it is a male! Problem) to mention the check engine light has been on for a week. After last reply I checked repair guides. Under emission I clicked smog failure. This makes sense. I will follow up and let you know.
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Sunday, November 20th, 2016 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Nice work,

Please check the valve cover for leaks as well. It could be dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold causing the oil smell inside the car.

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Sunday, November 20th, 2016 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
NOTJACK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Back to the original old oil or plastic smell: It was a seized plastic tensioner on the serpentine belt. Wouldn't turn so the tensioner chewed the belt off. Should have been replaced a year ago, but some of us try to get more mileage out of it then regrets later. Yes, hope this helps someone. Thanks for your easy to use site.
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Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Good that you got that all figured out!

Smells can fool you.

Come back to see us!

The Medic
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Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 AT 1:21 PM

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