R56 Can leak from water pump cause sweet smell from exhaust pipe?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
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Can leak from water pump cause sweet smell from exhaust pipe?
I have Mini Cooper 2009
I noticed a sweet smell coming from the exhaust pipe. There is almost no smoke. The smell and very light smoke are noticeable in the first 2-3 minutes after ignition, but after the car warms up it is practically unnoticeable. I think the smoke is just condensation. There is no smell under the hood. I did notice the level of the coolant dropped over the past year (I only drove couple of month in total for the past year), but, the level of the coolant is still above the minimum mark.
When I replaced the brakes this week, the mechanic also took a look at the smell and said he see some leaking on the water pump (or maybe he even said the water pump was wet or something) and that gets inside the exhaust pipe. I'm also pretty sure he mentioned that the water pump is near the exhaust pipe. It was very strange to me since I know that the water pump is near the engine. So, I want to ask can the water pump somehow be the cause of the smell and is there any pump near the exhaust pipe?
I noticed a sweet smell coming from the exhaust pipe. There is almost no smoke. The smell and very light smoke are noticeable in the first 2-3 minutes after ignition, but after the car warms up it is practically unnoticeable. I think the smoke is just condensation. There is no smell under the hood. I did notice the level of the coolant dropped over the past year (I only drove couple of month in total for the past year), but, the level of the coolant is still above the minimum mark.
When I replaced the brakes this week, the mechanic also took a look at the smell and said he see some leaking on the water pump (or maybe he even said the water pump was wet or something) and that gets inside the exhaust pipe. I'm also pretty sure he mentioned that the water pump is near the exhaust pipe. It was very strange to me since I know that the water pump is near the engine. So, I want to ask can the water pump somehow be the cause of the smell and is there any pump near the exhaust pipe?
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 974
Likes: 231
From: Pensacola, FL
Have the cooling system pressure checked.
How in the world is an exterior coolant leaking from the water pump (or near the water pump) going to get into the exhaust? The water pump is on the front right side (looking from the rear of the engine), and the exhaust manifold is on the left side of the engine. I could pressure wash the exhaust manifold and water would not get into the exhaust unless there was a hole in the manifold. I suggest you find a competent mechanic.
How in the world is an exterior coolant leaking from the water pump (or near the water pump) going to get into the exhaust? The water pump is on the front right side (looking from the rear of the engine), and the exhaust manifold is on the left side of the engine. I could pressure wash the exhaust manifold and water would not get into the exhaust unless there was a hole in the manifold. I suggest you find a competent mechanic.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 224
I have Mini Cooper 2009
I noticed a sweet smell coming from the exhaust pipe. There is almost no smoke. The smell and very light smoke are noticeable in the first 2-3 minutes after ignition, but after the car warms up it is practically unnoticeable. I think the smoke is just condensation. There is no smell under the hood. I did notice the level of the coolant dropped over the past year (I only drove couple of month in total for the past year), but, the level of the coolant is still above the minimum mark.
When I replaced the brakes this week, the mechanic also took a look at the smell and said he see some leaking on the water pump (or maybe he even said the water pump was wet or something) and that gets inside the exhaust pipe. I'm also pretty sure he mentioned that the water pump is near the exhaust pipe. It was very strange to me since I know that the water pump is near the engine. So, I want to ask can the water pump somehow be the cause of the smell and is there any pump near the exhaust pipe?
I noticed a sweet smell coming from the exhaust pipe. There is almost no smoke. The smell and very light smoke are noticeable in the first 2-3 minutes after ignition, but after the car warms up it is practically unnoticeable. I think the smoke is just condensation. There is no smell under the hood. I did notice the level of the coolant dropped over the past year (I only drove couple of month in total for the past year), but, the level of the coolant is still above the minimum mark.
When I replaced the brakes this week, the mechanic also took a look at the smell and said he see some leaking on the water pump (or maybe he even said the water pump was wet or something) and that gets inside the exhaust pipe. I'm also pretty sure he mentioned that the water pump is near the exhaust pipe. It was very strange to me since I know that the water pump is near the engine. So, I want to ask can the water pump somehow be the cause of the smell and is there any pump near the exhaust pipe?
A hot cooling system pressure test is a good way to find a leak. Over the years I have found a leaking water pump, radiator, coolant tank cap, and even a plastic coolant tank.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 416
Likes: 79
From: Florida
hmmmm - as others have said - into the exhaust is pretty difficult. Dripping that finds its way onto the outside of the exhaust piping- maybe. You mention smells from the exhaust pipe - would that be tailpipe or farther upstream. Light puffs of smoke is not uncommon out of the tailpipe, especially if sitting for awhile - as it is usually condensation.
Again - start ruling things out - do a pressure check.
Again - start ruling things out - do a pressure check.
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