Strong pungent smell when idling

Danjwilko · Aug 13th, 2019, 11:23

Hi all title says it all really, I have a D5 185 XC90 06 plate which I've had almost a year now, anyway slowly sorting a few niggles out this one has me baffled.

On start up not sure if it's straight away or after about a minute or so it stinks around the outside of the vehicle, a sweet sickly pungent smell like gearbox oil, exactly like the old oep 220 we used to use in the army aptly named cats pee as it's stunk.

I went to the boot for something and the exhaust smells exactly the same it confused me as I've smelled the rotten egg smell of a cat on its way out etc so ive no idea what this is. Like coolant being burnt but not as the coolant from the looks of it (I check it regularly) hasn't moved since I got it.

Anybody have any experience with this sort of thing what it was etc any info would be appreciated 👍 Before I go crazy trying to figure it out haha.

cheshired5 · Aug 13th, 2019, 11:46

What is the colour, clarity and smell like of the coolant?

Danjwilko · Aug 13th, 2019, 13:05

Honestly just smells like weak coolant from the 50/50 mix slightly pink no browning from the look of it and it's pretty clear.

Just done 10 miles once stopped couldn't smell a thing so must just be as the car is cold and at idle would that make sense?

Just so bloody strong once started and left idling might be worrying over nothing nevet had a vehicle smell like that even with a rotten CAT.

cheshired5 · Aug 13th, 2019, 13:10

Have you resistance tested all 5 glow plugs?

Danjwilko · Aug 13th, 2019, 13:26

Only reason I finally thought I'd ask was I'd left it idling for about 5-10 mins loading up for a day out and it was still just as strong, however once moving can't smell a thing and i never really took any notice once stopped as I always stop the car before getting out.

Danjwilko · Aug 13th, 2019, 13:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Have you resistance tested all 5 glow plugs?

I haven't no, that is something I'd never would have thought of. What value should I be getting?

cheshired5 · Aug 13th, 2019, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danjwilko

I haven't no, that is something I'd never would have thought of. What value should I be getting?

You want a reading of around 1ohm or slightly under on all 5.

Aug 13th, 2019, 11:23	#1
Danjwilko New Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2020 07:04 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CROFT	Strong pungent smell when idling Hi all title says it all really, I have a D5 185 XC90 06 plate which I've had almost a year now, anyway slowly sorting a few niggles out this one has me baffled. On start up not sure if it's straight away or after about a minute or so it stinks around the outside of the vehicle, a sweet sickly pungent smell like gearbox oil, exactly like the old oep 220 we used to use in the army aptly named cats pee as it's stunk. I went to the boot for something and the exhaust smells exactly the same it confused me as I've smelled the rotten egg smell of a cat on its way out etc so ive no idea what this is. Like coolant being burnt but not as the coolant from the looks of it (I check it regularly) hasn't moved since I got it. Anybody have any experience with this sort of thing what it was etc any info would be appreciated 👍 Before I go crazy trying to figure it out haha.

Aug 13th, 2019, 11:46	#2
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	What is the colour, clarity and smell like of the coolant? __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Aug 13th, 2019, 13:10	#4
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	Have you resistance tested all 5 glow plugs? __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

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Aug 13th, 2019, 13:05	#3
Danjwilko New Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2020 07:04 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CROFT	Honestly just smells like weak coolant from the 50/50 mix slightly pink no browning from the look of it and it's pretty clear. Just done 10 miles once stopped couldn't smell a thing so must just be as the car is cold and at idle would that make sense? Just so bloody strong once started and left idling might be worrying over nothing nevet had a vehicle smell like that even with a rotten CAT.

Aug 13th, 2019, 13:26	#5
Danjwilko New Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2020 07:04 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CROFT	Only reason I finally thought I'd ask was I'd left it idling for about 5-10 mins loading up for a day out and it was still just as strong, however once moving can't smell a thing and i never really took any notice once stopped as I always stop the car before getting out.

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