Where did the smell go?

[warwick-steve]

Hi
This is not a problem, - I'm just curious.
Following a run in my BT7, because of the smell, I would always have to leave the car outside for a couple of hours and then put into the garage. There would then be a lingering smell for a few more hours. The car is pretty well oil tight (as far as they go) and dry underneath apart from a couple of drips from the back of the gearbox. The smell, I thought, was hot engine oil from the breather via the carb air filter with a hint of fuel.

Recently, I have only had to leave the car outside for under an hour. I then put it in the garage and there is no smell at all!
Where did it go? I have made no changes or adjustments to anything.

cheers
Steve

 

[Michael Oritt]

Perhaps it has nothing to do with the car but rather with the passage of time. A quick google search revealed that some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60. Various other factors also can contribute to loss of taste and smell, however, including: Nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies, sinusitis or nasal polyps.

I'd check with your ENT doctor--what with your National Health Care system it might cost less than consulting with a mechanic.

 

[Jim 58 BN6]

Perhaps all of the electrical smoke has finally escaped from the wiring...

But seriously, was the car recently restored or painted, the engine rebuilt and painted, or maybe a new exhaust system installed? If so, maybe the paint (or undercoating or something) near or on the exhaust or engine, etc, has finally cured enough so it is no longer outgassing. Newly rebuilt engines that I've done usually smell funny when they are hot, and sometimes it takes a while for the smell to stop. Just be thankful that it's better! Jim

 

[warwick-steve]

Hi Michael and Jim
I like the lateral thinking going on here and you may have a point with the medical diagnosis. Coincidentally, I did get back from Japan four weeks ago with a strange virus which the doctor could not identify. (all better now!)
However, I tend to think that it is a technical issue and something that will remain a mystery. I did paint the sump some months ago, maybe it is that. -- At least it is something that has got better.
cheers
Steve

 

[Michael Oritt]

Steve--

I was just being perverse and meant nothing by it. Glad you took it in stride.

BTW I did do a little research on smells and found that they do not disappear but rather disperse as a result of dilution. However our olfactory glands do apparently get overloaded and while the intensity of an odor may seem to go away it is simply a lessening of the chemical reactions, etc. that cause us to experience scents, etc. etc.

Some people seem to think that smells are affected by gravity and fall to the ground which is why feet smell.

 

[gonzo]

Hello Steve,
If the BT7 is equipped with intake manifold vent tubes – front and rear – design to vent surplus fuel to the immediate environment (roadway, driveway, garage floor etc.) are restricted or clogged in any way, then the “smell” associated with the design would not be as noticeable.

Perhaps your recent observation has something to do with clogged vent tube(s). Running a fine (piano) wire through them should clear things up. GONZO

 

[Martinld123]

Sounds like a dead mouse that finally dried up, lol.

 

[John Turney]

The question no one has asked is: "What does it smell like?"

 

[RestoreThemAll]

I have only a few hours on my complete restore, all new or painted everything. Very little road time, as it has no body panels. The paint and oil smells are just about gone. New carpet can off gas longer. Maybe new interior to.

John asks a great question, what does it smell like? Also, where is it coming from? Mice are no joke. Check under the seats, in the heat/air system. Nooks and crannies of the frame. Under the dash. In the boot, under the battery. All over.

 

[warwick-steve]

Gentlemen
I can see that there is some serious thinking going on here. I can definitely rule out medical issues and dead rodents, The smell was, I thought, hot oil with slight hint of fuel.
Please don't go to any more trouble as this is a problem that has resolved itself and there are more important problems to solve.
However, - Gonzo, the BT7 has 3 independent inlet manifolds linked by a balance tube. Did you mean the overflow tubes from the lid of the carb float bowl?
cheers
Steve

 

[DerekJ]

My car always gives off that typical 'old car' smell of hot oil etc, etc, particularly after a hard run. It is pronounced enough that I will leave the car outside for a couple of hours before putting it in the garage. The garage is attached to the kitchen and if i put the car in immediately the smell will be all through the house. I like it, but surprisingly my wife doesn't.:wink-new: I think they all smell like this, its part of the attraction.

 

[warwick-steve]

Hi Derek
My situation exactly! Used to be 2-3 hours outside but suddenly improved to less than 1 hour and no lingering smell in the garage to leak through to the kitchen with comments from my wife.
Steve