2000 Sunfire - Fishy Smell

[Nbedard]

Hello everyone,

A few days ago, I had to service my car in our for it to pass the inspection here in Canada. So, I got my Rocker Panels fixed, my back bumper replaced (was completed rusted), and my flex needed to be fixed as well.

The mechanic also sprayed anti-rust all underneath my car before it got lowered.

So after that whole ordeal, everything is fixed and off I go home. About 10 minutes into the drive I get this smell of fish, or fish oil. I've NEVER had that smell until after the fixes done to her.

I open my hood and it's a strong smell, and seems to be emitting from my brake fluid reservoir. The next day I looked for spills, but seems to be no puddles of any sort.

Long story short, do you guys have ANY idea what it might be?

Thank you.

 

[EaOutlaw]

I do not remember any brake system ever smelling like fish.

I have seen a burnt up clutch smell like rotten fish, to the point it would make you gag.

if you highly suspect the brake fluid.

open the master cylinder cover, use a cue-tip to get a sample of the fluid.

then carry it somewhere away from the car, have someone who has not been around the car for a while smell the sample and see if the brake fluid is the source of the smell.

if it is the source follow the directions below.

If the car was parked for sometime while these repairs were being done.

It may be possible that the brakes are dragging overheating the brake fluid.

if you can pull all four wheels and inspect all the brakes, make sure the caliper slides are lubricated and are working properly.

do a clean and adjust to the rear brakes if necessary making sure to lubricate the backing plate friction points and self adjuster.

once your sure the brakes are in good working order, flush the brake fluid at all four corners starting with the right rear first then left rear.

once you have fresh fluid and a good brake pedal. reinstall the tires.

have a helper lightly apply the brakes until you feel resistance then have them hold that same pressure. check each wheel to see if the resistance to rolling is similar on both front wheels then check both rear wheels.

each front wheel should have the same resistance each real wheel should have the same resistance.

if it feels good start the car and have the helper hold the brakes hard like at a panic stop then release the brakes, then check each wheel to make sure they spin freely.

the back brakes should rotate about 1 1/2 times when you spin the wheel.

the fronts may spin with less resistance.

this will make sure the rear brakes are properly adjusted and the front flex hoses are not collapsed and the caliper pistons are not frozen.

once your done with this work see if the odor is gone.

 

[Nbedard]

I do not remember any brake system ever smelling like fish.

I have seen a burnt up clutch smell like rotten fish, to the point it would make you gag.

if you highly suspect the brake fluid.

open the master cylinder cover, use a cue-tip to get a sample of the fluid.

then carry it somewhere away from the car, have someone who has not been around the car for a while smell the sample and see if the brake fluid is the source of the smell.

if it is the source follow the directions below.

If the car was parked for sometime while these repairs were being done.

It may be possible that the brakes are dragging overheating the brake fluid.

if you can pull all four wheels and inspect all the brakes, make sure the caliper slides are lubricated and are working properly.

do a clean and adjust to the rear brakes if necessary making sure to lubricate the backing plate friction points and self adjuster.

once your sure the brakes are in good working order, flush the brake fluid at all four corners starting with the right rear first then left rear.

once you have fresh fluid and a good brake pedal. reinstall the tires.

have a helper lightly apply the brakes until you feel resistance then have them hold that same pressure. check each wheel to see if the resistance to rolling is similar on both front wheels then check both rear wheels.

each front wheel should have the same resistance each real wheel should have the same resistance.

if it feels good start the car and have the helper hold the brakes hard like at a panic stop then release the brakes, then check each wheel to make sure they spin freely.

the back brakes should rotate about 1 1/2 times when you spin the wheel.

the fronts may spin with less resistance.

this will make sure the rear brakes are properly adjusted and the front flex hoses are not collapsed and the caliper pistons are not frozen.

once your done with this work see if the odor is gone.

I did ask my fiancee, and she also said she gets the same smell. THe odd part is that it was never present until the fixes we're completed. I read that the anti-rust might smell like that, is that a correct assumption?

 

[EaOutlaw]

I guess it could be a chemical they used. however A simple call to them would clear that up if this was the case.

______________________________

 

[melsg5]

I agree most obvious thing would be to call the shop, especially if the coating they used hit the exhaust system it will take some time to burn off and in the process smell.

 

[Nbedard]

Thank you very much, I will call and verify!