What is a normal engine smell?

[ducktales27]

I have 25 ecoboost xl with about 1700 miles on it. Every engine has its own smells and quirks.

I’m used to my wife’s ecoboost- escape, my maverick recently started smelling enough you can get a whiff when you stop driving and walk past the hood drivers side.

Under the hood- looks clean- nothing leaking under the truck. I plan on doing a break in oil change in a bit so I’ll get a closer look but I’m just curious if this is just a normal smell. Not really burning, not sulfur or any of the other telltale signs-

thanks!

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[Tbone289]

Every engine has its own smells and quirks.

I agree with that to an extent. But, if they all have there own smells and quirks, how would I describe "normal"?

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Lavender with a touch of sage.

 

[ducktales27]

Well damn. You got me there. +1

I guess the question is does anyone else smell their truck enough that when they walk by they do a double take and go wtf was that?

Yes I’m under warranty- yes it would be a free fix if needed but if I don’t need to car pool or borrow a car that’s even better!

 

[Blue_Max]

I have 25 ecoboost xl with about 1700 miles on it. Every engine has its own smells and quirks.

I’m used to my wife’s ecoboost- escape, my maverick recently started smelling enough you can get a whiff when you stop driving and walk past the hood drivers side.

Under the hood- looks clean- nothing leaking under the truck. I plan on doing a break in oil change in a bit so I’ll get a closer look but I’m just curious if this is just a normal smell. Not really burning, not sulfur or any of the other telltale signs-

thanks!

What does it smell like? Kinda weird for you to ask what a "normal" smell is and then not specify what you yourself smell with your engine.

 

[ducktales27]

What does it smell like? Kinda weird for you to ask what a "normal" smell is and then not specify what you yourself smell with your engine.

The last paragraph I did. I don’t really get a noticeable whiff of any of the sweet, burning, or egg smells- it just started smelling strong of “engine” recently. So I’m just asking fellow owners of the same vehicle- is this normal, can I save a trip or should I be getting an appointment booked or busted out my Jack and getting under the vehicle asap.

thanks!

 

[Tbone289]

I guess the question is does anyone else smell their truck enough that when they walk by they do a double take and go wtf was that?

I do, but only because I have PCV catch cans. The hoses smell like PCV gasses, which isn't exactly pleasant. I know what that smell is, though.

Prior to the catch cans, mine smelled "normal", whatever that is. What I mean is, it didn't smell like any type of fluid or fluid leakage, no burning odors, etc.

I would say that a dramatic change in odor usually warrants a look-see at what it might be.

 

[matmondro]

Occasionally after towing I'll smell like a warm ATF smell. Not burning or anything. But that makes sense after towing a trailer. Otherwise, no smells out of the ordinary.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Occasionally after towing I'll smell like a warm ATF smell. Not burning or anything. But that makes sense after towing a trailer. Otherwise, no smells out of the ordinary.

After towing...That's just your turbo.

 

[svogt302]

I would suggest you go to a mechanic, ETC.....

 

[ducktales27]

Thanks! Do you know where they are? I’ve heard of the internet to look for them but I don’t know how to find it.

 

[OleFordGuy]

As new as it is I would assume its just from normal heat warming up residual coatings from all the brand new components in the engine compartment. Now if its a strong fuel, oil, electrical burning smell I would have the dealer check it out.

 

[ducktales27]

I’m going to run it for a while and just keep breathing fumes. Last night I ran it and it just smelled hot- I also found a piece of wire tape kicking round the engine bay looked melted… so I took that out. So far so good. I think it might be ok!

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Lavender with a touch of sage.

Actually it's a touch of lily of the valley

 

[Blue_Max]

I’m going to run it for a while and just keep breathing fumes.

Gonna check the exhaust smell, too?

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