SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Engine Smell

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-07-18, 12:55 PM
  #1  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default Engine Smell

My 03 SC has developed an engine smell inside the cabin. No codes come up and I had a shop go over the engine and everything is perfect. Could it be a servo motor isn’t’ operating correctly. This has been annoying and going on about a year. I had the compressor and master brake cylinder replaced but doubt that’s the problem. I‘ve looked under the hood and all hoses are connected,no oil leaks and all fluids are full. I’m stumped and need help.
theazz
Old 03-07-18, 05:16 PM
  #2  
DshngDaryl
Pole Position
 
DshngDaryl's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: AZ
Posts: 2,651
Received 458 Likes on 384 Posts
Default

Have you changed your cabin air filter? Maybe something got sucked in your system and soaked your cabin air filter. That would create a smell anytime air goes through it.

Old 03-08-18, 07:28 AM
  #3  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Brand new filter installed about 1 year ago. Just checked it yesterday and since I put less than 1000 per year it still looks new.
Thanks
theazz
Old 03-08-18, 09:19 PM
  #4  
Steelsnow
9th Gear
 
Steelsnow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 9
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Can you describe the engine smell? It could be something like a small oil leak onto one of the exhaust pipes/cats where you never see oil on the ground, but get the scent... or?

BTW, hope it is ok if I am chuckling while responding to a post about a smell from 'theazz'. I will put my juvenile mind away now....
Old 03-10-18, 03:09 AM
  #5  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Going to take off engine cover and plastic pan underneath. Hope it’s a small valve cover leak
Old 03-10-18, 03:18 AM
  #6  
Bgw70
Lexus Test Driver
 
Bgw70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Fl
Posts: 8,027
Received 855 Likes on 688 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by theazz
Going to take off engine cover and plastic pan underneath. Hope it’s a small valve cover leak
check the valve cover bolts. The gaskets shrink over time and allow the oil to seep out.

just remember these bolts require very little torque. I think they are only 13lbs.

you could also just turn the bolts a half turn each...but no more than that.
Old 03-12-18, 03:01 AM
  #7  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Thanks for the reply Bgw70. I did replace the valve cover gaskets myself about 2 years ago so maybe I’ll try your idea and tighten just a half turn.
Thanks
Old 03-12-18, 03:16 AM
  #8  
Bgw70
Lexus Test Driver
 
Bgw70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Fl
Posts: 8,027
Received 855 Likes on 688 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by theazz
Thanks for the reply Bgw70. I did replace the valve cover gaskets myself about 2 years ago so maybe I’ll try your idea and tighten just a half turn.
Thanks
give it a good look before you tighten the bolts. Over tightening those bolts may cause the gasket to push out of place...
Old 03-12-18, 02:12 PM
  #9  
kevin3344
Lexus Test Driver
 
kevin3344's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,303
Received 181 Likes on 162 Posts
Default

You also might want to keep an eye on your power steering fluid. When we got our '02 from Florida there was a small leak from the power steering reservoir (see photo). It's a common problem on the SC430 and can be hard to see (it also happened with my GS400). Take a look and see if there is any moisture in that area.

The following users liked this post:
Jabberwock (03-12-18)
Old 03-12-18, 03:36 PM
  #10  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Thanks Kevin
Good idea about the power steering pump
Old 03-17-18, 03:41 AM
  #11  
theazz
Driver
Thread Starter
 
theazz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 135
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Got my 03 back from the shop. They spent 3 hours going over everything. They said they didn’t really smell anything but the car is flawless. No leaks anywhere. The fuel ratio is perfect. Now I know I’m not going crazy there is a smell. They spayed a BG product onto my cabin filter and said see if that helps and to also keep my dash control on recirc. ( cabin air only).
if the spray helps then consider using A BG product (708 or 709) to clean out my heater core and ac coil and ductwork as maybe there is a dirt and mold build up insider since it’s a 2003. Has anyone done a flush of there duct system?
theazz
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
unadad
LX - 3rd Gen (2008-2021)
1
08-21-18 07:24 AM
subliiime
Performance
12
01-04-11 07:10 AM
silver470
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
2
07-27-10 06:27 PM
OnyxGS300
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
2
10-25-08 04:45 PM
knk112
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
5
04-28-08 11:32 PM



Quick Reply: Engine Smell



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:04 PM.