Where is that smell coming from?

Bug512 · 03-24-2011, 01:24 PM

Well I think my "new to me" Winnebago has something dead in it.

So for any of you who have ever had this what and where did you find?

RickO · 03-24-2011, 01:36 PM

Are you sure it's not coming from the gray tank? They can smell pretty dead too.

Shore2Shore · 03-24-2011, 01:59 PM

Not to mention the black tank, they can smell totally undead!

Perry White · 03-24-2011, 02:02 PM

Dead mouse?

Midniteoyl · 03-24-2011, 02:05 PM

Need more info!

tims52ford · 03-24-2011, 02:28 PM

How about the stack vents for the grey water, I had the same problem an could not find out where this smell was coming from. so I did some research an found that smell was coming from the stack vents. I bought two cyclone vents an had no more discussing odors.

Grimesy · 03-24-2011, 03:31 PM

Yes, need more info but do check to see that the caps are on your batteries. A friend went over the hill looking for "that" smell and dicscovered the battery problem. Check also the "P" traps some times they dry out.

Don, WIT 70041

mahon1993 · 03-24-2011, 03:52 PM

Do you have a washer/dryer hookup? I had the trap in the washer drain dry up and let the smell inside. I poured in some RV anti freeze and put a cap on the drain pipe to slove the problem.
Greg

Bug512 · 03-24-2011, 05:31 PM

Tanks flushed. Batteries good. No washer.

I purchased the coach in November, I could smell something faint then. Now it is a little more. I sure it is concentrated from the windows being closed. I will do more investigation this weekend. I brought home a snake camera (ridged) so I can see in small areas and in the duct work.

Thanks for all of your ideas. Again this board is full of great people.

AFChap · 03-24-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

No washer

Even MORE reason to check for an uncapped washer drain ...if the rig was "wired" for a washer/dryer from the factory it would have been plumbed with a washer drain. If the drain is not capped, it is an open air vent to the gray tank INSIDE the coach.

You also need to check under the bathroom and galley sinks for the vacuum breaker vents. They are at the top of an upright pipe. The vacuum breaker should unscrew. It has a rubber flapper inside that is designed to let air into the tank when you are draining the tanks, but to prevent air from getting from the tank into the interior. If the vent flapper is bad, they can allow odors into the rig. You should be able to buy replacements at Lowes, etc. In most modern Winnebago MHs the galley tank drains to the gray tank, and the bathroom sink drains to the black tank.

Bug512 · 03-24-2011, 05:52 PM

Thanks. I will check all the vacuum breakers.

I do not think I have "washer prep" in our 33V.

If anyone is in northern NJ stop over this weekend to "find that smell" !!

tomwalt · 03-24-2011, 06:06 PM

Bug512, here's a guess to consider - if that is Warren Pa. you are from and the RV has been outside and winterized, It's still too cold to de-winterize up there. So, all the drains and associated traps that had RV anit-freeze, but are now dry due to evaporation. The fun part is to go sniff all the drains (it's a dirty job but ya got to do it:>) If the smell is from a drain, get another gallon of RV anti=freeze and dump some down each drain to re-fill the traps (do them all).
If it is a dead mouse - look at this as a good time to get to know your RV in greater detail. P.S. most interior walls on RVs are hollow.

Bug512 · 03-24-2011, 06:36 PM

No I'm in New Jersey. It will be a cold weekend here so I can not flush the antifreeze out yet.

The traps should not be dry. Antifreeze (glycol) does not evaporate.

If I find anything I will post the pictures !

Bug512 · 03-25-2011, 12:22 PM

Well after some investigation the smell is coming from the area under the stove top cabinets / where the converter is.

I can smell it "right there" but do not see a thing.

Off to the supermarket for baking soda and the pet store for natures miracle.

I opened up all the windows, turned on roof vent fans and another fan blowing air under the cabinets.

Next step is to vacuum out the area and mist the area with clorox clean up. Then ventilate some more.

There are a ton of crevices for critters to get into.

Thanks for all of your replies.

Bug512 · 03-26-2011, 07:49 PM

Update:

With cleanup and a days worth a ventilation the smell is non existent.

I will continue with treatments stated above and lysol spray.

I think from it being closed up for 5+ weeks while at the dealer (brake recall) it was concentrated.

Thanks again for all of you who told be what to check. Once the freezing temperatures break I will add water and holding tank chemicals.

tx2stroke · 04-03-2011, 09:19 PM

When I bought my used Adventurer,it also had that smell.Ventillation would help,but it would come right back when driving,worse if windows were open.My vacuum breakers looked Ok,but I replaced them both (really cheap),and the smell was gone!!On closer inspection,I could see where the old diaphrams were deteriorated.Good luck.

Bug512 · 04-04-2011, 04:15 AM

FOUND IT !!!!! Nothing is dead...

One of the valves for the stove top were leaking. Not enough to set off the propane leak detector but enough to cause a odor.

I found out when they do a leak test they remove the three valves and manifold assembly and hook up their manometer.

I used foaming hand soap around the fittings and within seconds we were making bubbles..

To be honest I was PO'd they they did not test for leaks using bubbles.

Midniteoyl · 04-05-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bug512

FOUND IT !!!!!

I found out when they do a leak test they remove the three valves and manifold assembly and hook up their manometer.

That sounds like a pressure check, not a leak check.