Need help with Integra - hot engine smell, dealer no fix!!!

[redintegra98]

The Acura dealer had my 98 Integra for two weeks and could not solve this problem, maybe you can offer some advice??

About 7-8 months ago started noticing a hot engine/slight anti-freeze smell coming from the upper left driver & passenger side toward hood after driving 30 minutes and up. Recent maintence included a replaced radiator and the time belt, very good on oil, checking fluids, etc. Mileage 50K, second owner. Two friends also confirm smell from exterior of car.

Monitored for months and finally took into service, first to my local mechanic. Went through car, did pressure test, couldn't smell the smell and found no fault.

Then took car to Acura service, did same pressure test and went through car, could not find leaks or faults. Assorted technicians took car on long drives up to one hour and could not smell the hot engine/slight antifreeze smell. I asked about heatercore (most people say this could be it) but Acura said car did not show any other signs of heatercore trouble.

And now here I am...I know something is not right. Please help me!!!!

Thanks

[Acura2g]

Does it smell right now? From the sounds of it no one else since has made the car smell like it. Is this a current problem or are you looking for ideas of what it was causing the smell?

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by Acura2g

Does it smell right now? From the sounds of it no one else since has made the car smell like it. Is this a current problem or are you looking for ideas of what it was causing the smell?

Yes, this phantom smell has been on and off now for the past 7-8 months...I definiately want to fix it, I have a baby on the way and am concerned about possible toxic fumes. I just smelled it on July 4th!! Until its resolved, I'm trading cars with my husband and it's only been 24 hours and I miss my Integra!!

[Acura2g]

Well if it is coolant, which should be a sweet smell as described, there aren't any toxic fumes to worry about unless you're inhaling the vapor mist and at high concentrations. So I wouldn't worry about that.

By you saying you have a baby on the way i'm assuming you're pregnant, In high concentrations it does show some teratogenic affects, but unless you're drinking it I wouldn't worry about it too much. A sweet smell indicates that it has been burned and the vapors are seeping in at a low concentration.

-------

The issue at hand:

For this issue to occur with coolant there has to be coolant leaking and leaking on a hot surface, very hot. Since it contains a mixture of ethylene Glycol and water it has a flash point of 254 degrees F. So this would narrow it down to exhaust manifolds. Coolant leaking on the engine alow wouldn't produce this. So my recomendation is to have every line looked at for sign of damage that could drip directly on the exhaust piping. There are many coolant lines that run on the back of these engine block that could do this. I have replaced almost every line on the back of these blocks and it could be as small as a pin hole and you wouldn't know it.

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by Acura2g

Well if it is coolant, which should be a sweet smell as described, there aren't any toxic fumes to worry about unless you're inhaling the vapor mist and at high concentrations. So I wouldn't worry about that.

By you saying you have a baby on the way i'm assuming you're pregnant, In high concentrations it does show some teratogenic affects, but unless you're drinking it I wouldn't worry about it too much. A sweet smell indicates that it has been burned and the vapors are seeping in at a low concentration.

-------

The issue at hand:

For this issue to occur with coolant there has to be coolant leaking and leaking on a hot surface, very hot. Since it contains a mixture of ethylene Glycol and water it has a flash point of 254 degrees F. So this would narrow it down to exhaust manifolds. Coolant leaking on the engine alow wouldn't produce this. So my recomendation is to have every line looked at for sign of damage that could drip directly on the exhaust piping. There are many coolant lines that run on the back of these engine block that could do this. I have replaced almost every line on the back of these blocks and it could be as small as a pin hole and you wouldn't know it.

thanks a bunch - this is helpful! you seem to know what you are talking about - more than anyone else i've discussed this with so far!!

[C25A1guy]

My best stab at this due to location of the leak would be possible heater hoses or water pipe.

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

My best stab at this due to location of the leak would be possible heater hoses or water pipe.

I just tried to make another appointment with my service technicians, they insist the pressure test would have showed any leaks in the hoses. Is it possible they missed something??

[Acura2g]

Yeah if its a really small leak that only occurs when the hose is hot and expanded then they wouldn't find it when its cold.

[C25A1guy]

Originally Posted by redintegra98

I just tried to make another appointment with my service technicians, they insist the pressure test would have showed any leaks in the hoses. Is it possible they missed something??

Maybe the tech that worked on your car is a dumb-ass recent UTI grad?

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by Acura2g

Yeah if its a really small leak that only occurs when the hose is hot and expanded then they wouldn't find it when its cold.

It's a 30-minute drive there and last time the tech took the car out for a drive as well...they make it sound like since they didn't find anything with the pressure test, there isn't a problem. Is the pressure test the final say? All I know is I've had this car for 4+ years and this smell is new....

[C25A1guy]

The pressure test isn't the final say if you're a smart tech. This guy that worked on your car sucks at diagnosing.

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

The pressure test isn't the final say if you're a smart tech. This guy that worked on your car sucks at diagnosing.

That's what I think! I'm taking it in next week, and if they can't help me I have to find somewhere else...it's not right!

[Acura2g]

Originally Posted by C25A1guy

Maybe the tech that worked on your car is a dumb-ass recent UTI grad?

Ouch, thats a shot to UTI...lol

But you're right. Just because they work for Acura doesn't mean they have been sent to their training facility for training on their cars and equipement they use in the shop. If all else fails at your Acura dealership see if your Honda dealership will take over where they left off.

If the problem still exists then the tech working on the car shouldn't be giving up. You don't pay them to go, "Well I didn't find anything wrong." You know there is something wrong and when they say that you're not getting your moneys worth. I'd move on, Try, like i said, a Honda dealership they are versed in the engine and car for the most part. If the next place does find a problem bring the report back to Acura and ask for a refund. That is only right sinced they failed to follow through with service.

I've taken my cars to Honda and Acura dealerships. I love my Acura dealership, but the one time I broke down in PA on a road trip I found a Honda dealership first and the guy there not only found my original problem but pointed out 3 things that I didn't know just from doing a simple road test and hearing for the tell signs. That guy knew his job and was amazing at it. He overally impressed me with his diagnostic skills. So don't be afraid to venture over to Honda Dealerships.

[redintegra98]

Originally Posted by Acura2g

Ouch, thats a shot to UTI...lol

But you're right. Just because they work for Acura doesn't mean they have been sent to their training facility for training on their cars and equipement they use in the shop. If all else fails at your Acura dealership see if your Honda dealership will take over where they left off.

If the problem still exists then the tech working on the car shouldn't be giving up. You don't pay them to go, "Well I didn't find anything wrong." You know there is something wrong and when they say that you're not getting your moneys worth. I'd move on, Try, like i said, a Honda dealership they are versed in the engine and car for the most part. If the next place does find a problem bring the report back to Acura and ask for a refund. That is only right sinced they failed to follow through with service.

I've taken my cars to Honda and Acura dealerships. I love my Acura dealership, but the one time I broke down in PA on a road trip I found a Honda dealership first and the guy there not only found my original problem but pointed out 3 things that I didn't know just from doing a simple road test and hearing for the tell signs. That guy knew his job and was amazing at it. He overally impressed me with his diagnostic skills. So don't be afraid to venture over to Honda Dealerships.

I never would have thought of that! Glad I found this board....