Posts: 1
Threads: 1
Joined: Oct 2011
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!
Posts: 4,181
Threads: 46
Joined: Jan 2011
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?
Posts: 3,222
Threads: 197
Joined: Nov 2009
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