Bad Egg Smell 2 - XM 2.5

rg · Unread post by rg » 16 Mar 2004, 22:16

Folks,
I have a horrible continuing suspicion that this is the start of the matrix going.
However, still no "steam" on full blast, and no coolant loss.
I wonder if there is a very slight leak that is "flavouring" any crud stuck to the matrix? I guess that it picks up a lot of crud through having air blasted through it. Has anyone else experienced this smell as the first stages? It happens only at start-up from cold. A dead mouse in the scuttle?
However, if it is weeping, shouldn't the liquid drain out onto the carpet somewhere? Both "elbows" by the parking brake pedal are dry, but these are not the highest point
And are there any "water traps" in the scuttle of the S2?
Cheers
rg

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 17 Mar 2004, 00:07

A swedish owner had this on his BX - only after engine starts.
Turned out to be a defective battery.
As it uses sulphur-acid - this can make these gasses - smells like the unspeakable [:I]

paranoid · Unread post by **paranoid** » 17 Mar 2004, 00:11

Could definately could be battery, my sierra one stank only occasionally after I changed it never had the smell again, Also I changed my pollen filter that made a big difference there was always a cow dung sort of smell till then on my xant.

edd001 · Unread post by **edd001** » 17 Mar 2004, 00:32

could also be the cat.

first-things-first · Unread post by **first-things-first** » 17 Mar 2004, 05:48

Hi rg
If it helps. When my 2.5 matrix had gone only smelt the acrid coolant. Seemed worse on light blower or low heat settings. Only found out when changed "coolant", i.e. water for proper stuff. Explained why I had on-off sore throat during summer before changiung coolant [:)]
No visible water loss - all collected in heater box I presume. Nothing on carpet.
Part is cheap enough. Bugger is getting it in there. As I remarked before - always remember to take the plastic end cap of the matrix before refitting. Not that I would do such a stupid thing [:D][:o)]
Cheers
Andrew

rg · Unread post by rg » 17 Mar 2004, 12:58

Thnaks, folks,
The battery is two months old, but will re-check this. No smells in the engine bay when I look around.
Can the coolant collect in the heater matrix housing? But this does not smell like coolant.
Cat? Is there any way for the fumes to escape except "out the back"? The smell happens a bit too quick for the time allowed for gas to make its way back from the far end to the air intake.
Any tips on where to find a pollen filter on a 2.5?
Thanks, all!
rg

Unread post by **RichardW** » 17 Mar 2004, 14:58

Rob,
Some more investigation required I think. Does it smell as soon as turn on, or only when you crank the engine? Does it smell if you turn off the blower? Does it smell if you set the air to recirc? Burning electic components (ignition switch / blower armature) can smell pretty bad!
I would defo change that pollen filter for a start. Maybe you could try another battery if you've got a 'friend' would lend you one?
FWIW I think the matrix on my Xantia has been weeping almost ever since I have had it - this has manifested itself as like a curry smell as the temp passes 60°C, or when you switch the heater on if the engine is already hot. Eventually I got coolant on the carpet a couple of weeks ago, so added the Forte stuff. This has pretty well dried the leak up (I occassionaly get a little dampness on the underside of the dash, but not enough to create a drip) - and there is no curry smell anymore either.

rg · Unread post by rg » 17 Mar 2004, 16:28

Thanks, Richard!
It sounds like I need to do a strike with the Forte stuff.
It's the startup when the blower comes in when it smells. It's not like a coolant smell..
The "recirc" idea seems a good one. I had a good sniff around the batt. this morning, and it's fine.
Does anyone have any clues where the pollen filter is?
Cheers, and thanks to all
rg

paranoid · Unread post by **paranoid** » 17 Mar 2004, 18:10

This may sound stupid but..............
Have you any enemys/ jokers who know there way around a citroen, I ounce had a dead fish wedged in the v of the exhaust where the 2 exhaust downpipes meet (on a rover) was only there for a short journey ( the sniggering gave it away) and boy oh boy I have smelt nothing like it even after 2 kids, Its not unknown for these "JOKERS" To crack an egg down the heater inlet, Try squirting something like neutrodol/fabreeze down there see if that helps?? Its got to be easier than stripping out the dash. Good luck

first-things-first · Unread post by **first-things-first** » 17 Mar 2004, 18:29

My 2.5 (1995) does not have a cat - I presume an oxidation catalyst for diesels and I do not think they had pollen filters fitted either. I have never seen one listed.
Following on from paranoids suggestion, maybe it is leaves and gunk caught in or around the inlet - I would presume this is below the plastic panel in front of the windscreen, where the wiper motor is ?? I would expect stagnant water and other detritous to smell pretty awful after a while. Could the water drains be blocked as well (same place in corners either side of car) ??
Cheers
Andrew

paranoid · Unread post by **paranoid** » 17 Mar 2004, 18:42

Wet rotten leaves do stink bad. It sounds like on startup the heater is just taking the top layer of still air from around the smell, therefore after startup air should get cleaner because its being drawn in quicker from surrounding areas, eerrrr I know what I mean but can't explain it, would definatly try and get nose as close to inlet as possible and try squirting somthing and then starting seeing if you get a different smell.