hey i just signed up with htis site. i am from canada, and have a 03 mach 1 with 238 000 kms on it. and during downshifts i am getting a faint oil and gas smell. does anyone know what this could be? love the car have had for 4 yrs now!
Welcome.
Sounds like your willing to drive your machine!
I would guess the oil/gas smell to be from engine wear at 238 k's. Possibly the valve stem seals or a faulty valve cover gasket. Why at downshift?
With the valve stem seals because of decompression and blow-by. With the valve cover gasket due to a relative decrease in air flow under the hood. Although I must admit it would make more sense if it was a car that had a clutch fan.
Does it smell like tranny grease though?
Welcome to the site from Virginia! With the 32 valve engine you do have more valve stem seals to go bad. But I would check for oil leaks first. Maybe pull the coil covers and check for leaks. Let us know if you resolve the issue.
Here is a link to the thread on how to remove the coil covers and valve covers:
http://mach1club.com/showthread.php?tid=579