Bad smell under bonnet - MINI2

IH1 · #1 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 11:13 AM

Hi

A couple of months ago my MCS started smoking when I was in a traffic jam. I found out the coolant cap had come off and the coolant had gone everywhere and made an awful smell because of the smoke. (I believe this was due to BMW not replacing the cap properly as it had just been in for a service.

)

Anyway, when the fan comes on now, I still get the bad smell from when it was smoking before which makes me feel very nervous that the cap has come off again. I open the bonnet just to make sure it hasn't happened. Is there any way of getting rid of this smell as it must be all over the engine and other parts below the bonnet?

Thanks

Inga

StevePSB · #2 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 11:46 AM

It will burn off eventually, although I'd give some thought to getting the engine power-washed (with all sensitive parts covered up of course!).

GTT 280 · #3 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 11:56 AM

Fact one - DON'T jet wash your engine !!!
Fact two - take the car back to BMW and tell them to sort it out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
K.

StevePSB · #4 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 11:58 AM

I've washed several engines (carefully) with no problems. I'd not go as far as to call that a 'FACT' though.

GTT 280 · #5 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 11:59 AM

i would.

IH1 · #6 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 260 (original)

Fact one - DON'T jet wash your engine !!!
Fact two - take the car back to BMW and tell them to sort it out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
K.

I have no proof they did it.

Why can't a engine have water on it?

StevePSB · #7 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 12:10 PM

Actually, on reflection, I probably wouldn't jet wash it in this day and age. Last did that in about 1991 (

), but I'd have no qualms about spraying some truck wash on the engine, leaving it for a minute or two then hosing it off. Of course, you have to be very careful with electrics and also avoid getting it into the air box or air intakes.

If you aren't happy with doing that, the take it back to the dealer option is sensible. Just try to make sure it smells when you're there else they won't believe you.

S33BBY · #8 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 03:35 PM

Don't risk causing problems. Take it back to the dealer and let them sort it.

IH1 · #9 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 09:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by S33BBY (original)

Don't risk causing problems. Take it back to the dealer and let them sort it.

They won't take responsibility and it was 3 months ago they did the oil service.

S33BBY · #10 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007, 09:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by IH1 (original)

They won't take responsibility and it was 3 months ago they did the oil service.

Ah, well in that case that's not realistically an option.

I guess cleaning the engine bay is your best bet. There was an article in one of the old GoMini magazines. Does anyone know if I'm allowed to scan it and attach it here (copyright, etc)?

IH1 · #11 (**permalink**) May 9th, 2007, 08:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by S33BBY (original)

Ah, well in that case that's not realistically an option.

I guess cleaning the engine bay is your best bet. There was an article in one of the old GoMini magazines. Does anyone know if I'm allowed to scan it and attach it here (copyright, etc)?

I'll take that as a yes!!!!

Please tell me???!!!!

S33BBY · #12 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2007, 07:19 PM

Okay, as promised, here it is.

http://www.sebby.me.uk/mini/wash_engine.jpg

DaFlake · #13 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2007, 09:12 AM

There is nothing wrong with washing the engine provide you let it cool before you do it and cover the important bits. As s33bby pointed out. It is actually easy to do.

LET THE ENGINE COOL!