Lil Mama

We just bought a beautiful 77 pearl white 911 Targa with wide body conversion. Engine tight, pull strong... small oil leak (whose doesn't?) of course this means there is an oil smell in the car. We are hoping to minimize the odor. Anyone have advice?

Wayne Williams

You probably have oil dripping on to the heat exchangers and it then burns off and wafts its odour into the heating system.

Check the oil return tubes (normal culprits) and the valve covers.

However, that oil smell to me is classic aircooled!!!, adds to the character dontcha think!!!

Noel

Welcome the world of air cooled 911s. That smell is part of the visceral experience.

Lil Mama

Thanks Wayne, I will check on those things. (With my husband's help of course...I'm still just learning.) Yes, I would say that the odor does add to the character.

Thanks Noel...I don't think there is anything that could turn me off about this car. The smell is something that I am not used to but it isn't really what I would call bothersome. It can do no wrong in my eyes. Porsches have always been my favorite. In fact, my first car was a Porsche...but this particular car...it really was love at first site!

LaughaC

Nice car!

Lil Mama

Thank you! You know the more I drive her the less I smell odor. One of two things is happening... either I am getting used to it or the guy I bought it from didn't run it for a while and it was burning something off... Kevin says he can't smell it anymore either.

Dan Cobb

Run the heater fan full blast for as long as you can stand it. The next time or two will usually clear out the residue and the smell will be gone until you NEED the heater again.
+++

DGaunt

I find that the more the car is used, the less it leaks. That might be what is happening with you. doesn't hurt to have a look though...some leaks are cheap and easy, others not.

Kevin Michael

Laura went to bed early and asked me to thank you all for your friendly responses.
Kevin

r911

Another trick is to select a motor oil with a less objectionable smell. The Mg cased engines do tend to leak...

Synthetic oil may make the leaks worse.