Normal for SCs to smell like oil in the interior?

[Plecostomus]

Hi guys. I just looked at an '82 that I really thought was going to be my first Porsche, but it had alot of issues, but this is the second car I've looked at that smelled like oil, interiorly. The other car I looked at smelled like a combination of gas/oil (like a gas station bay!). I know this may be a silly question, but is this commonplace for SCs? I don't remember my father's SC smelling of any fluids on the inside. Thanks

Kurt

[equality72521]

Sounds like there were oil/exhaust leaks in the heat exchangers.

[tcar]

Nope. Something's leaking.

[MT930]

I would guess a leak also.

[Astroboy]

I'm gonna say leak, or there are some french fries under the seat.

[aigel]

When oil leaks onto the engine, it smokes and the smoke is picked up by the fan - then it is blown through the heat exchanger into the cabin. If it stinks, it has an oil leak or two. This can be minimal work, or a complete engine reseal (more $). Unless you look for a project (and pay accordingly), there should be no stink.

George

[euro911sc]

I luv that smell in the morning...

-Michael

[snbush67]

Smells like...victory.

[oregonmon]

You guys are telling me that your car does not smell like exhaust/gas/oil when you first start it and when you return that your garage doesn't smell like the same when you left?

[SP2]

my resealed engine drips a little from the upper valve cover onto the heat exchanger below it and I always get that smell. If you like the car get a ppi. A good mechanic will tell you if there is a problem. If you want to see for yourself then get flashlight and look under the car for oil on the exchangers. This is not a big deal IMO.

[Mike Andrew]

Certainly sounds like an oil leak onto the exchanger. A thorough PPI should be able to pinpoint the source. Could be your first project.

[stlrj]

Oil escaping the tailpipe can often find its way into the interior.

[Oh Haha]

This is funny.
I uncovered my SC last night, just to peek at it.(It's been dormant all winter.)

When I opened the door, that familiar smell hit me. The oil, leather, and olda$$carpet all mixes together to take me back to when I was out enjoying the car. I thought about these cars, especially the older, aircooled cars tend to have such unique aromas, making for memories that will stick with you.

kind of like an old song when you hear it

[Targa4now]

Check all of the hose connections for the heating system in and around the engine. If one comes loose it will exacerbate the oil smell within the cabin. This examination sould also include the flapper boxes tucked up behind the rear whells.

Quick fix if this is the case. Else $$$

[jtfreels]

Yet another reason to own a Targa

Jay

[ramonesfreak]

my car does not drip any oil at all. it still smells a little oily. whatever the smell is , i love it

[Plecostomus]

Wow, thanks guys. I didn't expect such a nice response to my post. I know it seems picky, but I do not want to own a car that smells like an old gas station garage. It gets into your clothes and nose. I'm not a girly-man, but I hate walking around smelling like a refinery. Thanks again to all you fellows.

I decided to bail on the '82 SC since I caught the seller stretching the truth about a couple things. And it had a couple of cosmetic issues I couldn't live with...and the stench!!!

Regards


Kurt

[Plecostomus]

Originally Posted by snbush67

Smells like...victory.

Smells like Victory Motorcars??

You guys crack me up.

[MT930]

Keep looking, your odds improve the more cars you look at.

[aigel]

Don't listen to the guys rationalizing why their cars stink and how this is "normal". We all know they did not come that way from the factory and if they are maintained properly, they do not leak or smell.

George