volvo v40 18i chemical engine exhaust smell

[volvovvvvvvv40]

Hello,

I'm really confused. I have a 1999 volvo v40 18i petrol. I have a funny smell slightly chemically coming from the car (not sure where underneath or engine bay). Only really notice it once warmed up and in traffic. I tool it to a garage and they had a look at it. They said it is the fuel system not working properly. They said it is something that happens to these mitsubushi engines and that they don't have the equipment to fix it. But if I take it to a volvo garage they have specialist equipment to flush it out/sandblast it. Phoned volvo garage and they have no idea what the garage was talking about. I have no idea what to do next volvo want £100 just for a diagnostic.

Thanks for any help... tried to search on the subject but couldnt find anything...

Craig

[therisagod]

sounds like youre in a pickle. did you say its coming from the exhaust or are you not too sure where its coming from? how many miles? and how much is too much to fix?

[volvovvvvvvv40]

I'm not really sure... Does the advice I've been given sound reasonable? Or like anything you have heard of not really interested in using any fuel additives.

[scottishvolvo]

You might want a decent garage to give the coolant system a pressure test, have you noticed a drop in the coolant level or temps getting higher quicker? Leaking coolant give a slight chemically smell.
The mitsi engines do have a reputation for sooting up nut you will see this on the plugs if you take them out.
Good luck

[volvovvvvvvv40]

thanks for the reply... coolant seems OK... if it is sooting up is there anyway I can get it cleaned?

[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.

[volvovvvvvvv40]

yes I know you are trying to tout this product all over the place. I may be new to this forum but I'm not new to people sharking around forums just promoting products (Ive viewed your post history). Although they are generally more subtle and sophisticated than you. I'd rather you don't clog up my thread anymore. Its much more valuable getting helpful genuine comments from people like scottishvolvo.

[therisagod]

done good luck!

[scottishvolvo]

volvovvvvvvv40
From what I have quickly read on the forum after a search for mitubishi gdi engine people seem to suggest 'a right good thrashing' on the motorway and possibly the use of Redex fuel additive.
therisagod has obviously found something which appears to have worked for his vehicle, I have always wanted to see independent tests for this type of product, but there never seems to be any. Though there is always their own test results!!

[volvovvvvvvv40]

cheers scottishvolvo... I have refined my search after having read your advice.. looked for decoking (after googling soot saw this coming up)... and found more ideas on this forum after doing that... thanks for getting me started!

Great help

Craig