2003 Lexus ES300. Its at 173,000 miles and its been driving very well for me however, I've been noticing a smell in the cabin. Its infrequent, but it seems to come when the car comes to a stop after accelerating.

The engine bay does not have this smell as I pop the hood every time to see if I can pinpoint the smell. I suspect leaking head gaskets because the motor was spotless just a few months ago when I bought it, now looking a little dirty near the front valve cover.

One thing I noticed today is that if I have the recirculating air turned on, the smell vanishes? Interior smells fine other than the occasional exhaust burp when not using recirculating air. I use exxon gas and I've heard different gas may be the culprit. I also read that lexus knows about this problem but wont admit to anything?

I would like some opinions on what to do, as I have only had this car for 6 months. I've got the cash to do the valve covers and gaskets, if that ends up being needed. Those are the 3 that I've narrowed it down to, gas brand, leaking gasket, or broken valve covers. Thanks for reading

 

Do you smell raw fuel, or burned fuel meaning exhaust smell? Going by your description sounds like you have an exhaust leak.

 

Its just like an odd "car" smell, but in burning way? Its hard to describe. It doesnt smell like gas that much, maybe a little. Its more of like what comes out the muffler smell

 

Oil leaking and burning on the exhaust manifolds? I would first get under the car and look for exhaust issues you don't want to breathing those fumes.

 

Is the smell only noticeable when you're sitting still (either idling or at a red light)? If so, it's probably a leaking valve cover gasket that allows oil to drip onto a hot exhaust manifold. When that happens the air is drawn into your car and you can smell the odor. It doesn't happen when moving down the road because that odor is drawn away from the cabin air intake system. When you change to "Recirc" you pull in very little outside air so you don't get the odor. I had this happen with my 2003 ES300 and after replacing the valve cover gaskets with the blue FEL-Pro FEL VS50588 Valve Cover Gasket Set it stopped.
Keep us posted and good luck.

 

I get the same smell and it’s oil dripping on the exhaust manifold in my 97 es300 133,000. Need to get changed when the budget allows.

 

I will be getting a vehicle inspection at an exhaust repair shop in town. 40$ for inspection is a good price especially since I am disabled and getting underneath the car is a real issue for me. I do suspect valve covers needing to be replaced. Its only ever smelling when I park at home after running errands, or at stop lights.

 

I had the same smell in my 96 ES300. I installed a cabin air filter (there was not one installed to begin with) and I haven't smelled it since. Now I am wondering what caused the smell in the first place. There are many things on my car that could have caused it looking at the age of the vehicle. I am however about to replace the exhaust system from the manifold to the muffler so we'll see how that affects it.

 

After a bit more research I decided to ditch the inspection because I'm almost 100% positive that its the gaskets leaking, and the exhaust shop said they didn't handle things like that.. Seems like a few others had this same smell and the gaskets indeed were the problem. I got the fel pro parts and the plenum gasket and I'm going to have it done on Monday. 360$ for labor and I supply the parts, is that a good deal? One other place said 345$ but the first shop seemed to understand the process pretty well and even recommended the plenum gasket replacement as it needs to be removed to get to the rear seals, correct me if that is wrong. It was only 13$ extra so it wasnt super pricey.

 

If that is for valve cover gasket job that's a good price. I will warn you at that mileage it's possible the cam seals are leaking.

 

What is the exact name of the part for that? i'd like to have it ready in advance in case they end up needing it while they are in there. A link would be much appreciated.

EDIT: If its the camshaft oil seal then I'm in luck. Only 5$ at autozone for a duralast seal

 

Replacing the cam seals requires removing the timing belt components. Don't use anything Duralast go to a dealer and buy the seals.

 

Oh I plan on doing the timing belt kit from rock auto at some point in the next year or so. Do they need to get into the timing belt area for the valve cover gasket work? That would be a great chance to get a visual inspection on those components

 

Timing belt can be left alone when pulling the valve covers. But it is much easier to replace the cam seals when both valve covers are removed.

 

Work was done today and for the first time I didnt have that exhaust smell once I got home and parked.They said the rear seal had never been changed and was leaking bad. I smelled a tiny bit during my drive but I'm willing to bet its build up from the old leak that needs to burn off completely. How do I wash the engine bay?