850 NA Odd Smell after cruising or hard acceleration

[850FLA]

I am getting an odd odor when I accelerate real hard or after a few minutes cruising towards a stop. It's an oily/skunky sort of odor I haven't smelled in any other car. I have 120K, solid motor, burn about 1/2 qt per 3K, good idle.

I changed the flame trap at about 115K, it was fairly clean. I don't have any leaks I can see. Perhaps the PCV needs service or an exhaust leak [don't hear a hiss when I plug the exhaust]. What about a cat going bad?

Any thoughts?...it's a bit intermitent as well...not real consistant.

[MadeInJapan]

A cat would be a rotten egg smell...you either have an exhaust leak, an oil leak that is dripping onto the exhaust and smoking or your PCV system is clogged (which could lead to the dripping oil). Check things out before too long. An oil leak on the exhaust is a potential fire hazard.

[850FLA]

A cat would be a rotten egg smell...you either have an exhaust leak, an oil leak that is dripping onto the exhaust and smoking or your PCV system is clogged (which could lead to the dripping oil). Check things out before too long. An oil leak on the exhaust is a potential fire hazard.

No smoke whatsoever. I checked the engine bay, etc and no sign of smoking. Would a clogged PCV system cause this odor?

[MadeInJapan]

I've never had that smell or heard of it, so it's hard to say. Maybe a varmint got up in your engine bay and died- now when your engine is extra hot, you're smelling him?

[850FLA]

I've never had that smell or heard of it, so it's hard to say. Maybe a varmint got up in your engine bay and died- now when your engine is extra hot, you're smelling him?

Now that's a thought...I am going to have the exhaust checked and service the pcv as a preventative service. Don't want to lose that rear main seal.

[wheelsup]

Check to see if you have any oil leaking from the cam seals or onto the top of the engine under the spark plug cover. I got a bad oilly smell in the cabin from the rear cam seal leaking. Once changed it completely went away.

[jyossarian]

Just a stab in the dark here - you might get an odd odor and light hazy smoke from the front of the car with a stuck brake caliper. See if one of the wheels is hot when you're getting the smell.

[850FLA]

Just a stab in the dark here - you might get an odd odor and light hazy smoke from the front of the car with a stuck brake caliper. See if one of the wheels is hot when you're getting the smell.

Hmmm...I did the brakes about 15K ago...ceramic pads..I had the same thought.

[850FLA]

Check to see if you have any oil leaking from the cam seals or onto the top of the engine under the spark plug cover. I got a bad oilly smell in the cabin from the rear cam seal leaking. Once changed it completely went away.

I did notice a small buildup to the left of my dizzy on the cam cover and a small puddle aft of the filler cap. I cleaned it all up last night. I will check it again tonight. Sounds like a good call to me.

In addition when I checked the intake hose I see a small amount of oil laying in the bottom and in the fire trap...is this normal w/120K or another sign of the PCV getting clogged?

[850FLA]

BTW...I have had the car since September, added over 15K miles [mostly highway]. The cars a TANK!

Just added a 92 Saab 900 Turbo 3 door /5 speed to my stable as a "back up" ...hehe...so it goes with the wife. 150K, good overall mechanics, needs tlc...900 dollars )))