I have heard that most/all 996's can have a bit of a perfume/gas smell inside the cabin at times but mine seems to be getting worse. I'm not sure if it is a subtle leak coming in from around the engine bay or if it is a slow leak through the heating as it seems to be a bit stronger when the heating is on, though I cannot smell it directly coming from any of the vents.

Does anyone else have this problem on a stronger scale and if so, is there some kind of sealant that can be applied to trouble spots.

Any info greatly appreciated.

 

I don't have this issue at all. It sounds like you might have a problem...

 

Likewise. No exhaust leak is safe or acceptable.

 

No exhaust leak here

 

All I smell in mine is Leather, you better take her in to have her looked at man.

 

Thanks guys. I did read somewhere on here about the so called "Porsche perfume" being a characteristic of 996's but obviously by the replies here it is not all that common.

I will take it in to have it looked at pronto. cheers

 

Cosmoline? I believe that is known as P-Car perfume.

 

Check your fuel sender rubber gasket... it is under the battery tray and happens to be in the area of your air intake for the ventilation system. If that is not sealing well you can get gas fumes into your car.

David

 

Porsche perfume from the 996 is typically the smell of burning cosmoline and/or burning rubber. Mine always smells like burning rubber after a spirited drive. One theory that I've heard is that small chunks of rubber from the back tire melt on the mufflers causing this smell.

 

I've heard this is is a problem with the air cooled cars. Not an issue with the 996.

 

Thanks David. I believe that may be the problem as I've isolated the source to the heating vents. It appears to have gotten worse in recent weeks only because we are heading into winter in Australia and cooler nights means heater use. The smell is ever so slight and only present with the heater on. Having done a bit more research it seems a few people have had this problem with the fuel sender gasket on 996's.

I didn't know that smell after a hard drive was what people referred to as P perfume. That smell I now equate with having had a bunch of fun!

Thanks for everyone's input.

Cheers