[dnalor50]

On a hot day my i30 sometimes gives off a smell reminiscent of the "glo-fuel" I used in control line aircraft as a kid (showing my age here!). It is very sweet and aromatic lasting 30 seconds or so after starting the engine. Could it be leaking refrigerant (R-1234yf) , which is described as having a slight odour? The air-conditioner seems to be working quite well, apart from a slight, but persistent, musty smell. Any ideas?

[edagrade]

Is this something you smell within the car - or a smell coming from exhaust emissions (from the tail pipe)?
Are you using a fuel with any ethanol content?

[Dazzler]

Is this something you smell within the car - or a smell coming from exhaust emissions (from the tail pipe)?
Are you using a fuel with any ethanol content?

My thoughts exactly! But we both could be well off the mark... 

[dnalor50]

No the smell is in the cabin and I don't use fuels containing ethanol.

[Dazzler]

No the smell is in the cabin and I don't use fuels containing ethanol.

Do you have anything plugged into your 12 volt outlets?  A camera or phone charger.. Hot plastic can emit similar smells. 

Have a look at your cabin filter, could be getting dirty/mouldy

[dnalor50]

No the smell is in the cabin and I don't use fuels containing ethanol.

Do you have anything plugged into your 12 volt outlets?  A camera or phone charger.. Hot plastic can emit similar smells. 

I wondered if it could simply be some of the plastic in the car "settling" over time. The sweet aromatic smell has decreased with age. There was nothing plugged in when I first noticed the smell (which puts me in mind of another annoyance- the USB port is not powered and I need to use a cigarette lighter/USB adaptor  )

[dnalor50]

Have a look at your cabin filter, could be getting dirty/mouldy

Thanks CraigB, i'll give that a shot. I might just remove it for a few days and see if anything changes.

[edagrade]

Cabin filter is a good idea :-)
Also, try ensuring heater fan is totally turned off when starting on a hot day to see if that changes the symptoms.