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1995 Bonneville - Has a smell around it as if
Sent to Car Experts April 11 03:39 PM

1995 Bonneville - Has a smell around it as if it's running too rich and smells that way even when it's not running. The smell comes into the passenger compartment when the A/C or heat is on. First I replaced the fuel filter and that seemed to take care of the problem for a couple of months, but it returned. The oil change folks suggested I try a fuel additive to clean the injectors. No help! Then this week, I turned a corner and the engine died. (Engine was warm), then same day the engine stalled twice right after starting to drive.(Engine was cold). At times, with no apparent pattern, the engine takes several turns to start and sounds as if it's flooded. Has never not started. Does not seem to be using more gas than normal. Any suggestions?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Info Request
April 11 4:58 PM (1 hour and 19 minutes and 20 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark

I assume you have the 3.8 engine.

Check your coolant level and see if you haver lost any at all.



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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
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Reply
April 11 5:01 PM (2 minutes and 42 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: Sorry, yes I have the 3.8 engine.

Checked the coolant last night and it was fine.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 11 5:45 PM (44 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Did you check the radiator too?

These engine have a history of bad intake manifolds. There is a vacuum chamber under the upper intake and it fills up with coolant and start dumping it into the cylinders when shut of or around corners.

Here's a TSB on it.

Images available only to Customers.

Here's a picture of the inside of one I just fixed.

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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April 11 5:54 PM (9 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: I checked the radiator this morning before cranking; it was full.

This is not an intake manifold problem. I know that is an inherent problem of this engine.

The car runs just fine, except for the gas smell, the flooding type starting issue, and the 3 times it quit on me.

I am thinking fuel relay switch (where is that on my car?), the fuel pump, or the injectors might need cleaning.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 11 6:06 PM (12 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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