Guys -

I have a '99 F-150 XL with about 150k miles on it. Over the last couple of days I've noticed a sort of tangy odor coming from the vents when I turn on the A/C. It smells exactly like Elmer's School Glue.

A mechanic at Firestone sat in the truck for a few minutes this morning and said it didn't smell like freon or antifreeze, so I'm at a loss about what it COULD be. I am not seeing any fluid on the ground.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

Okay, I stumped you all. But by way of update, I will tell you that I took the truck to Firestone today for routine stuff, and they discovered the pinion seal was leaking. They repaired that, and the smell's now gone.

Maybe just a coincidence, but...

 

With all the rain we have had in Middle TN lately I would guess something had washed into your fresh air intake located on the passenger side below the windshield. As for the rear gear oil smelling like "Elmer's school glue", I wish it smelt like that

 

By way of update: the smell didn't stay gone for long. I'm going to try this weekend to dig in and see what's happening.

How big a deal is it to remove the plastic air intake cover that's right below the windshield? Is it a matter of just removing the wiper arms and taking a few screws out?

Thanks!

 

yes, the wiper arms are bolted, and pressed on, and there are i think 7 screws on the wiper cowl, and then there are two plastic push pins/clips underneath the hood hinge area