Retorquing bolts after gasket replacement

Don’t mean to keep dragging this thread about the car vibrations on, but I noticed a new symptom which may or may not be related to the problem, so I figured I’d share it.

I noticed there is now a “chemical” smell, like a solvent, from the engine that wasn’t there before. If I drive with the blower on, this smell comes into the cabin. But if I put the blower on recirculate air, then I don’t smell it. Also, if I’m next to a wall (like a drive-thru) with the window open and engine running, then I can smell that smell coming in the window. Again, this just started around the same time as the other problems (I noticed it a while back, but since I usually have the blower recirculate air, it wasn’t something I noticed a lot; but now I’ve pinned it down).

The car has a 3.3L flex fuel engine, and I’ve been filling it with E85 fuel. So the “solvent” smell may be fuel vapors. Not sure what else it could be.

Anyway, just thought I’d throw it out there in case it provides a clue as to what might be causing the vibrations.

Thanks!

Run regular gas E0-10 for a little while to see if the smell goes away, if it does then you know what it is…

If there’s a leak, and I run regular gas, then wouldn’t I just smell regular gas instead?

Then you will know that it is not oil, coolant, brake, power steering, washer or transmission fluid and or the serp belt or pulley related or something in the steering/suspension, a tire rub etc etc…

I see. OK, thanks.

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Yeah who is going to read all this but the vibration happened after they replaced the intake gasket? That’s where I would look. Maybe the mechanics here can explain how the fuel trim can indicate no vacuum leaks?

Yeah, it’s been a long-running conversation. They replaced the valve cover gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, and catalytic converter, and the vibrations started immediately after that. Vibrations are very strong when in drive or reverse; less so when in park. And only felt when idle or going less than 5 MPH. Otherwise, car runs fine, or at least vibrations can’t be felt when going over 5 MPH. But when idle with engine running and in drive, vibrations are so strong like your whole arm vibrates when leaning on door or holding steering wheel. Smell of solvent is also something that wasn’t there before.