Propane-like smell coming from car.

flashburn

So last weekend I took my car out to the track. Afterward I noticed an propane like smell while driving my car and having the A/C on. I also notice it outside the car shortly after it is parked, and it usually sticks around for a few hours.

Anyone have any ideas? It's running normal and no CEL's have been thrown.

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optiontrader

Now that's totally weird.

How many miles on your Z? It's probably not the first time it's been tracked, right? Can you tell it's coming from the engine compartment? The fact that you smell it on the inside (emanating from the vents?) and the outside is interesting.

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flashburn

It is the first time I have tracked it, but I have over 20,000 miles. I haven't yet been able to figure out the place where it is strongest, but it isn't in the engine bay (at least from the top).

If I park my car in my garage after driving it, and then go back out into it anywhere between 20 minutes and a few hours later, I'll smell it in the garage, but I can't narrow it down to a specific spot. Or if I sit idling with the A/C on (but set to use outside air) then I'll smell it.

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LuckyJinx

It's normal.

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flashburn

It's normal to smell this through your A/C? I'm pretty sure that isn't true. Especially since I've had the car for over 20k miles and never had this problem until now. It's also extremely prominent in my garage after it's been parked, and again, I've never had this problem until recently.

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ChrisSlicks

She's going to blow! j/k

I would check things that could of got overheated at the track like P/S fluid, transmission fluid, diff fluid etc. The fluids can have a slightly sulfurous smell that could be interpreted as being similar to propane. I overflowed the P/S fluid at a hot track event and the car smelled pretty bad for a couple of weeks.

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CBRich

Ethanethiol is toxic. It occurs naturally as a minor component of petroleum.

The above is taken from wikipedia. This is the stuff that gives propane that smell. Humans can smell it at super low levels. I noticed you have aftermarket exhaust components? Have you checked for leaks? Also, this smell is common with failing cats. Are they overheating?

And the fact that it is coming through the A/C would make sense if you have the recirc off. The air is just pulled from the cowl.

flashburn

Okay, thanks guys. I'll check my fluids. What's the easiest way to check for an exhaust leak?

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radek7633

Failing cats are more sulfur than propane, in my experiences... ?? could be wrong

CBRich

Very similar smell. Like rotten eggs.

Vegitto-kun

check for exhaust leaks could be the heat from the tracking could of caused a leak.

though I have the smell most of the time since I have LTH so I have no cats.

and wondering why you can smell it through the AC?

if the exhaust is leaking and your AC is set to use outside air that means it is sucking up the smell too so its normall you can smell it inside too. if I am standing still or go in reverse for abit I can smell it in my car too

flashburn

So how can I check for and locate an exhaust leak?

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CrownR426

Pop your hood open, you might have a leak near your intake!
Probably a simple fix but you'll be suffering if you don't get that fixed asap.

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CBRich

You can use a small tube and poke it around the exhaust while listening through the other end. Or just carefully feel around.

EazyD

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