So I've noticed that when I have the blower on to defrost the windows I get a pretty strong oil smell when idling. When I'm moving it isn't a problem. Where could the oil smell be coming from? It's even bad when I have the windows open and I'm at idle.

I'm totally new to the Subaru world so thanks for putting up with the silly questions.

Thanks,

Evan

 

mods?

 

No mods at all. I was reading somewhere else that the intake for the blower is at the base of the windshield? I can see vents of some sort on my car, but can't confirm if that is where the air is being pulled in from.

I'm still baffeled.

 

Check your hoses.. make sure they are all properly connected. I had that smell before from one of the lines to the fuel filter. the 02 and 03 don't have those adapter things that secure those hoses.

 

Check for an oil leak. The 02 & 03 WRX's had a problem with the crank seal and/or oil pump seals failing. The tell tale sign was a slight drip of oil running down the oil filter or oil at the bottom of the crank cover.

 

Ahh, so the oil leak that I see off the front of the block could be the common crank seal or the oil pump seal eh. I sprayed down my motor to get a better look and I still haven't located the leak, but that would make sense that the smell would be sucked into the cabin on the fresh air setting. I need to get a manual. Which manual would be the best to get? Haynes? Chiltons?

Thanks for the responses. I've got a place to start now!