Strange odor from front of `01 Forester

[SB]

This sounds goofy, but we are noticing an especially foul odor from under
the hood of our 2001 Forester. It only occurs after we have driven the car.
The odor dissipates after a few minutes. It's a strange odor, like nothing
I've ever smelled before. I've looked under the hood and everything looks
clean and ship-shape. I'm a total auto novice, so I'm debating whether this
merits a service call. Any suggestions or ideas?

Many thanks.

 

[Frank]

A broken seal or boot leaking fluid on hot exhaust system can be odor
source. If you can drive on ramps and look underneath, it is easy to
find. I had that problem on my '98 and it was repaired under
drivetrain warranty.
Frank

 

[Monique Y. Mudama]

This sounds goofy, but we are noticing an especially foul odor from
under the hood of our 2001 Forester. It only occurs after we have
driven the car. The odor dissipates after a few minutes. It's a
strange odor, like nothing I've ever smelled before. I've looked
under the hood and everything looks clean and ship-shape. I'm a
total auto novice, so I'm debating whether this merits a service
call. Any suggestions or ideas?

This happened to my mom's car once. Turned out that mice were hiding
dog food in the engine somewhere. It was amazingly expensive to get
it all cleaned out, too.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

A broken seal or boot leaking fluid on hot exhaust system can be odor
source. If you can drive on ramps and look underneath, it is easy to
find. I had that problem on my '98 and it was repaired under
drivetrain warranty.
Frank

Most likely so. CV boot split and that grease gets on exhaust - nasty
smelling stuff from all reports.

Carl

 

[johncory]

I've also experienced mice building nests near the fan. You can imagine
the result. Very expensive to have it cleaned too. Makes mechanics
hate their job.

If this is the case, you might only smell because the fan is importing
the odor.

 

[SB]

Thanks to those who replied. A follow-up question if I might: If this were
some kind of fluid leak, wouldn't we notice residue underneath the car? We
park in the same spot every night, and we've never noticed any stains or
fluid on our driveway.

Thanks

 

[flyfisher7]

If it is a leaky boot, it is grease that will be leaking, not a fluid,
and it will drip down onto your exhaust pipe and cat, thus the stink as
the grease burns off.