Anti-freeze scent on cold start?
02-10-2009, 06:43 AM
#1
Lin Fmus
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Anti-freeze scent on cold start?
I park my B8 2.0T in the garage and lately in SoCal, it's been 35 degrees F in the morning. Right when I start the car, for the first 2 minutes or so, a strong scent of Anti-freeze fills the cabin. Yes, I have the heater on as I immediately start it; but I wouldn't imagine that the odor would be more apparent when the anti-freeze is cold. Next time, I'll try to cold start it w/o the heater or any air circulation on.
Any similar experience?
Any similar experience?
02-10-2009, 07:21 AM
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Could you be smelling the exhaust instead?
Incomplete combustion (which is what happens on cold starts) can lead to some chemically-smelling exhaust.
If this only happens when the car is stationary, it's likely the exhaust.
If this only happens when the car is stationary, it's likely the exhaust.
02-10-2009, 08:22 AM
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Also,. there is about a 2min cycle on a cold start where it runs a little rough...
Don't know the technical mechanics of it, but I remember from my B5 that this period is used to quickly warm the Cat so the engine can more quickly begin to operate efficiently.
That cycle can often produce a stronger odor from my experience.
That cycle can often produce a stronger odor from my experience.
02-10-2009, 08:33 AM
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Lin Fmus
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Re: Also,. there is about a 2min cycle on a cold start where it runs a little rough...
It may be the exhaust, but I don't remember this occuring on warmer days, when I don't have the heater on when the car starts. Again, I'll try it again tomorrow morning, with the heater off; if it's still apparant, then I'm convinced it could be the exhaust. I usually could tell the difference between antifreeze and exhaust; but I may be wrong. I'll let you guys know tomorrow.
Thanks for the feeback.
Thanks for the feeback.
02-10-2009, 08:35 AM
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I've noticed a slight odor from the AC when it's warm, but not the heater
I hope these cars aren't prone to having a smelly AC odor like my Benz was.
02-10-2009, 09:17 AM
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Re: Also,. there is about a 2min cycle on a cold start where it runs a little rough...
Well, the ECU will run a richer fuel/air mixture to heat up the cat, and air temperature does actually play into this to a large degree. So if you turn off the heater because it's warmer outside, you may not notice it and you may draw the wrong conclusion on the basis of that.
Just smell the exhaust right after you fire it up in cold weather. You may be surprised about how "sweet and chemically" it smells.
Just smell the exhaust right after you fire it up in cold weather. You may be surprised about how "sweet and chemically" it smells.
