Isopropyl smell upon start up (Heater core?)

[Sikh_Supra]

Hey everyone, earlier today when I started my car there was a strong smell of isopropyl alcohol like it was burning my nostrils. The smell went away after a few seconds. But after letting the car sit for an hour or so and starting it up again, same smell came out of the air vents. Coolant level is fine, so is brake fluid. Any idea what it could be? I’m currently at 30k miles. Maybe heater core?

Sponsored

 

[Raidernation]

Maybe something spilled onto the cabin air filter?

 

[Sikh_Supra]

Maybe something spilled onto the cabin air filter?

No nothing spilled in the car. Just driving like usual. And when in came back it was a super strong smell of isopropyl alcohol.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Do you smell it on start up on the way home from the bar?

 

[Sikh_Supra]

Do you smell it on start up on the way home from the bar?

No, I’m being serious, it smells really strong and goes away after a few seconds with the air running.. I searched google and they said it could be coolant or heater core but I haven’t found anything on any b58 fourms. I’ll let the car sit overnight and start it in the morning and see if the smell occurs again. Engine bay doesn’t show any signs of leaks and coolant reservoir was full still..

 

[consultadrone]

How’s the AC working? Small slow leak accumulating while it’s off and dissipating after startup?

 

[gcmak]

Does it smell if you turn on your HVAC before starting the engine? If it's easily replicable, Toyota can look at it.

 

[Sikh_Supra]

How’s the AC working? Small slow leak accumulating while it’s off and dissipating after startup?

Ac works great

 

[Sikh_Supra]

Does it smell if you turn on your HVAC before starting the engine? If it's easily replicable, Toyota can look at it.

It actually has a slight smell, I just tried it. I wouldn’t take my car to Toyota as it’s fully modified and has a stage 2 tune on it :/
So trying to fix it myself for now if I can find the problem

 

[H2O_Doc]

No, I’m being serious, it smells really strong and goes away after a few seconds with the air running.. I searched google and they said it could be coolant or heater core but I haven’t found anything on any b58 fourms. I’ll let the car sit overnight and start it in the morning and see if the smell occurs again. Engine bay doesn’t show any signs of leaks and coolant reservoir was full still..

I know you’re being serious and my apologies for joking - it’s sort of what I do.

I had the same issue in a mustang and it was the heater core. In my case, the heater core leak soon got worse and visible coolant vapor eventually vented into the car like a sickly sweet fog. Gotta love Ford.

 

[Sikh_Supra]

I know you’re being serious and my apologies for joking - it’s sort of what I do.

I had the same issue in a mustang and it was the heater core. In my case, the heater core leak soon got worse and visible coolant vapor eventually vented into the car like a sickly sweet fog. Gotta love Ford.

You’re good man, It’s just a really bad smell haha, you think it could be cabin air filter too maybe? I’ll try to swap that first today and see if it helps.

 

[H2O_Doc]

You’re good man, It’s just a really bad smell haha, you think it could be cabin air filter too maybe? I’ll try to swap that first today and see if it helps.

It takes a while for a cabin air filter to go funky and that’s usually a musty smell. That said, it’s not too hard to pull it out and check.

 

[cactusA91]

Windshield Washer fluid leak or coolant overflow/leak somewhere around the cabin air intake/heater core is my guess. At 30k i suspect you are breaking new ground here. Dealership maybe? Have you replaced the cabin air filter lately? Looks like you gotta play around with a hose to do the cabin filter replacement.

 

[cactusA91]

Looks like you need a special coolant pressure tool to check the coolant on this thing. Very complex dual system.

 

[Ivan27]

You’re good man, It’s just a really bad smell haha, you think it could be cabin air filter too maybe? I’ll try to swap that first today and see if it helps.

Yes, but where's the cabin filter location, I've looked and can't find it. Searched the web, nothing. Real simple on my 2018 4runner limited. Open the glovebox, and flip down a flap and there it is.

Sponsored