Acetone smell in the van, likely cause?

[Albacore]

Hi, I've recently noticed an acetone smell when I go into my globecar van. It's not yet 2 years old. It has been suggested to me it could be either the fridge or the battery (agm). I haven't been been able to identify the source location, just a generalised chemical like smell. At first I thought it smelt like meths but then realised yesterday it's more like acetone. As its still under warranty I'm worried if I call my dealer on Tuesday they will book it in for 2-3 months time as they are always so busy.... Battery or fridge would both be urgent right? Thoughts please?

 

[David and Sally]

Battery would be a sulphur smell? And I guess it would be warm.
Have you spilt any of your nail polish remover anywhere?

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Sounds (smells) like plastic melting maybe

 

[PP Bear]

Battery would be a sulphur smell? And I guess it would be warm.
Have you spilt any of your nail polish remover anywhere?

That was my first thought, has nail polish been leaking somewhere.

Hope they find and sort it quickly

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Could be a overturned bottle of antibac hand fell in cupboard somewhere???

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[Diabalo]

Sounds like your MH has become Diabetic.

If a motorhome smells like acetone — or nail polish remover — it may indicate that there are high levels of ketones. This may stem from diabetes, alcohol use, or dietary habits.


Whether a motorhome has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an acetone-like scent in the air can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life threatening complication that requires immediate medical attention.

All joking aside, burning/melting wires can smell of acetone, so you need to try and track down the source.

 

[Coolcats]

Hi, I've recently noticed an acetone smell when I go into my globecar van. It's not yet 2 years old. It has been suggested to me it could be either the fridge or the battery (agm). I haven't been been able to identify the source location, just a generalised chemical like smell. At first I thought it smelt like meths but then realised yesterday it's more like acetone. As its still under warranty I'm worried if I call my dealer on Tuesday they will book it in for 2-3 months time as they are always so busy.... Battery or fridge would both be urgent right? Thoughts please?

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This is a link to page talking about Acetone smell

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Environmental Factors​

Environmental factors can also contribute to the presence of acetone odor in your house. Mold and mildew growth, poor ventilation, and high humidity levels can all cause a musty smell that many people associate with nail polish remover.

 

[IRHP]

Do you have your hot water on? Our Truma smelled a bit at first. Still does now and again.

 

[Ridgeway]

You haven‘t done any siliconing recently by chance ?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

​

This is a link to page talking about Acetone smell

​

Environmental Factors​

Environmental factors can also contribute to the presence of acetone odor in your house. Mold and mildew growth, poor ventilation, and high humidity levels can all cause a musty smell that many people associate with nail polish remover.

Interesting

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[Lenny HB]

Battery would smell of Sulpher,

 

[pampam]

My caravan fridge leaked and it smelt like acetone but very strong it made your eyes water, (it was an old type gas fridge)

 

[Lenny HB]

My caravan fridge leaked and it smelt like acetone but very strong it made your eyes water, (it was an old type gas fridge)

That would be ammonia not acetone.

 

[Jim Schush]

We had an issue a couple of years ago and we eventually traced it to an overheating wire on a junction box to the side of the EBL power unit under the passenger seat.
Ours smelt like burning plastic.
Good luck.

 

[suavecarve]

As its April 1st now, its nothing to do with you cooking meth in the motorhome is it ?

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[Shrimp]

Sometimes after de-scaling the kettle hubby thinks it vaguely smells of nail polish remover.
I use white Vinegar for de-scaling!

 

[Coolcats]

As its April 1st now, its nothing to do with you cooking meth in the motorhome is it ?

Breaking bad eh?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Check your fuses to make sure none are actually melting the plastic that surrounds the metal fuse part.that could be the smell you have noticed.

 

[jerryz]

some plastic explosives give off an acetone smell

 

[Albacore]

Thanks all, sorry for delay in commenting, my mum has recently died so not really with it.

I eventually managed to identify the source of the smell - thank you for all your suggestions - I'm pleased to report it isnt battery, fridge or burning wires. I was surprised to find that in the passenger door pocket there was a little bin liner with some orange peel - that had gone green. Thanks Mum!

Amazing how something so small can cause such an overwhelming smell.