Hey guys, I'm still new to the rotary scene, and I've only owned and driven one rotary car ever.

So just out of curiosity, how much of that gasoline/oil smell is 'normal'? I've seen a lot of guys joking about how their cars smell a lot when they drive. (see the You know you're a first gen owner when... Thread)

When just driving slow or even when the car is off the smell is just kind of there, and its just the typical 'old car' smell and all that. But when driving around a bit more freely, going to 5/6k rpm, I can smell it get more intense, to the point where I've had passengers refuse to come in my car again

So, is that normal? Do I have some oil seal problems that need addressing? When I come back, I open the hood and give it some good revs, and I've never seen any fuel leaks or anything of that nature.

Basically, I'm just looking for something to compare to.

Thanks guys!

 

Most likely you have some PCV or charcoal canister problems. That or you need to give the engine a good cleaning. Could be old baked on grease burning on the engine. The smell should be minimal.

 

Thanks for the pointers man!

I've been searching around the internet, and also used your suggestions, and I came to the conclusion that more likely than not, the problem is indeed my charcoal canister (the descriptions people gave sounded like the smell. don't ask.). I wish I could go ahead and buy a new one and pop it in there and be done, but considering I'm kind of stuck tight between money and school, I think I'll have to wait for a while...


Or I can try to rebuild it! Is that something someone can reasonably do? Doesn't matter, I'll try anyways

Once again, thanks for the tips!

 

I never run a charcoal canister and rarely have any smells. Youll only get the smell if its clogged up or leaking.

 

If the smell is strong INside the car with the windows and vents closed, you might have leaky weatherstripping around the taillights, or the rear hatch gasket is old.

These cars create a strong rear vacuum pocket, and with the interior venting you can suck a lot of exhaust fumes in from the rear if the light seals have dried out and rotted away.

 

Wow. So to test that should i drive the car with the ac off, closer ventilation, and closed windows to make sure?