Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Sweet smell of....?

This may sound dumb, last two weekends I have enjoyed a lengthy ride in the Plus 4 (about 80 miles or so). On returning and sliding her into the garage I've noticed a hot sweet smell, like hot candy floss....eminating from the car but difficult to pinpoint where. Never noticed it before last weekend, no performance issues while out in the car, any ideas? I'm worried something is chafing or disintegrating unseen.....

One thing that springs to mind is coolant. Not sure what is used in the newer Morgans but the old glycol based stuff gave off a sweet aroma. Have you checked your coolant level?

Arwyn

Try touching the wiper motor. I had one go on an MG smelt a bit like that. The internal contacts had gone so it was 1/2 on 1/2 off. No movement from the wipers but the motor was cooking.

Coolant I would say. Tastes sweet too... a good test but I dont advocate drinking it.

Have a look at the hose that comes out of water pump at the front of the engine and does a right angle before joining the metal pipe that goes across the back of the radiator to the bottom outlet. Thats where I had a persistent leak... the hose actually was nearly chafed through on the alternator...

Nick

Had a similar thing whilst on holiday in Herefordshire - eventually found that I had picked up some silage (or similar) from a country lane & it was caught on the exhaust brackets & stuffed in front of the silencer. When I removed it there was no smell remaining the next day - easier to fix than coolant but check that out as well.

That problem arose when the factory changed from the fabricated radiator to the plastic aluminium version. The bottom outlet is further towards the Offside of the car on the plastic radiators and that pulls the stainless transfer hose and hence the coolant hose into a position where it can rub.
I have the bottom coolant elbows in stock

Simon @ SiFab.co.uk

thanks one and all, will check these out tonight.