I just installed a Buschur TBE, and after driving the car hard, it smelled a lot like antifreeze. I am worried because there aren't any leaks, so I am thinking the head gasket may be blown. I haven't boosted over 20 psi. Is there a good test I can do? I know there is a test, but I can't remember what it is. The car deffinitely doesn't seem like it's lacking any power. Thanks.

 

Any white smoke coming out the exaust? You get a test pipe or hfc?

 

you can do a cylinder compression test

check your coolant level...and look for oil in your coolant
check your oil for coolant or a frothy look
look for white smoke from the exhaust

 

No coolant in the oil as far as I can tell. No oil in the coolant as far as I can tell. Are there any tips on doing a compression test on the evo? Do I need to disable the ignition or anything like that? Thanks

 

it is your new exhaust. don't worry

 

I was kind of thinking it could just be the new metal getting hot, but I was still worried. I just did a compression test and the numbers are as follows from passenger to driver side: 165, 167, 166, 165. Should I do a leak down test, or do these numbers mean I don't have to worry. Also, I am wondering how a compression test can be conclusive, because the cylinder pressure will be much higher under boost, and it might only leak under high pressure. Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your input guys.

 

BUMP before I leave for work.

 

I would keep and eye on the oil and water and just drive it easy for a few days and then try to get on it again and see if the smell is gone..

 

^^ Agreed...but also..its probably your new exhaust...sometimes they put a coating inside the pipes that burns off with the exhaust flow...its a coating to help keep the exhaust in good condition from the inside...call up Dave and ask him...also...get a compression test done anyways...but there shouldnt be a problem. Also do as Evo8LTW says

 

catless TBE systems smell like all kinds of crazy ****, i wouldn't worry about it, but if you want, do a compressioni test, pull the spark plug from the cylinder you want to test, disconnect coilpacks and i like to disconnect the fuel pump too just to make sure, then crank the car for about 5 seconds and get your reading.

 

lastly did you see if the the factory recall, coolant hose in front of the motor is leaking..

 

My compression is perfect, so I'll just keep an eye on it. Thanks again.

 

If antifreeze gets spilled anywhere on your engine bay, that irritating smell lingers forever until you finally wash it off. Dont worry about it unless you havnt touched anything associated with the cooling system before the smell occurred.

One or two drops can cause a noticable smell

 

I agree, I spilled a little coolant in the engine bay and cleaned up whatever I saw. Whenever I really got on the car though I would smell coolant. I thought I had a bad headgasket, but it was from the remaining coolant that I spilled heating up and letting off some odors.

 

New exhaust have a really funny smell for about the first week until it burns the coating off the metal for the bending process.