Recently (within the past month or so) my rover started making some clunking noises after starting. The sound is something like popping a dent out of a large piece of sheet metal, and it seems to be coming from transmission. This only happens within about 10-20 seconds of a cold start, and it sometimes happens within the same amount of time after stopping the engine.

Additionally, the rover doesn't really want to move right after start up. Pressing on the accelerator will make it choke off and loose power. This problem also clears up within 10-20 seconds, and only occurs after a cold start.

There is also this somewhat sweet smell that I notice after driving it for a couple minutes. It's not unlike acetylene, but nowhere near as strong or sweet of an odor.

Shifting is smooth while driving around, and fuel economy is 14.6 MPG for the city/rural driving I do.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

Coolant loss? Keep an eagle eye on it. Bubble gurgle noise under dash? Exhaust gas from head gaskets in coolant (makes that sweet smell).

 

Thanks

I've been keeping a close eye on all the fluid levels. I got done with a major engine cleaning a little over 2 months ago when I finished the intake manifold gasket replacement. Coolant levels are staying normal, but I have noticed it drop ever so slightly since the repair; maybe 3/8 inch in the expansion tank. I'm not sure if that is just air working it's way out of the cooling system or not. I have not noticed any bubbling or gurgling noises.

I will continue to keep a close eye on it.

 

Coolant Levels are still staying normal. But speaking of other fluid levels, the dipstick for the transmission isn't marked in regards to "full" or "add" levels, and It doesn't look like the one in the rave manual. I want to assume that the two holes at the end of the dipstick are the "fill" and "add" marks, but I confirmation would be nice.