volvo v40 18i chemical engine exhaust smell

[jonny57]

Fill it up then take it for an Italian tune up-a good belt along a motorway or if you have access to a race track....Some of these products can knacker the cat so be wary what you put in the tank.
Good luck

[D5driver]

They do smell strange, i noticed this on my V40, but as already said a good thrashing will improve things for a while

[volvovvvvvvv40]

yeah completely in two minds about using any products... hear things about oil and fuel additives some say good (often people selling the stuff) and others say some crud is best left where is. Leaving me not knowing what to do. My tappets seem to be making quite a loud noise too even after a little run, intermittent though sometimes good sometimes not so good. Doesn't seem to have to do with distance driven... just on and off... I did put some redex in after I got the car (about 2 months ago). Cant now remember if this noise come after or before this, and the smell come to think of it. But cant remember at all. Might look at a good oil change and maybe a wynn valve seat lubricater. Not sure about all the detergents unless someone has a completely unbiased and definitive opinion. I can but dream...

[D5driver]

What reg is your car ?

[D5driver]

Originally Posted by therisagod

if the shop said it was the fuel system then something made them come to that conclusion. and from personal experience I have seen a fuel additive eliminate the puff of black smoke from initial startup of diesel engines. not to mention the smell of my own volvo and lawnmower. I understand its hard to believe and if scottishvolvo is right then it wouldnt help. if it is your exhaust then bitron will cure it. its a cheap next step too.

No, this will not work with the GDI

[volvovvvvvvv40]

its a t reg 1999, think its a GDI says 18i on the back dont have log book with me...

[scottishvolvo]

I think some people reckon the GDI is a diesel

[D5driver]

Open the bonnet and have a look at the engine cover, if it's a GDI it will have GDI on it.
Is it T671 JBL?

[volvovvvvvvv40]

lol no thats not my reg... are you Derren brown... only joking... ok cool I'll look on the lump tonight... I know its a 18i petrol... its the mitsubushi engine... just not sure of the exact wording i.e. GDI will check tonight...

[SpeedyReedy]

My S40 Gdi does on occasions produce some foul smells from the exhaust (very difficult to describe not an oily smell but not the normal Cat type either) and it has done for a number of years. Sometimes you can get a hint of the smell it in the cabin.
Looking in the owners manual it states with the Gdi engines have a catalyser of which the first part is based on iridium to reduce the NOx emissions produced at the lean burn mode. So I assume these are different from the usual catalysers hence the unusual smell.

The engine has also had a tappy sound to it since I bought it in 2002 and it has caused no issues now on 106000 miles.
The dealer has on occasions put Forte injection cleaner in the tank (not sure if it has made a noticeable difference)