Glue, Solvent, Chemical (?) Smell From Fan Vent

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Level 1

4 points

Glue, Solvent, Chemical (?) Smell From Fan Vent

Hello all,

I have a first generation white MacBook I have been using since 2006. I noticed when I started using it that there was a smell as mentioned in the title (Glue, solvent, chemical). Recently, I am noticing the smell more frequently upon start up or awakening from sleep. I am wondering if any of you are experiencing this same phenomenon.

Really I am interested in finding out what (chemical(s)) is being emitted from the computer causing the smell. My best guess is that it smells like it is from a glue.

Is this normal from a MacBook?

The computer is not overheating. The processor is running at 53C with the fan at 1500 rpm. The heatsinks have always been warm according to iStat (Heatsink A/B 126C/66C respectively although I am doubtful of the measurement on the A sink).

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Feb 6, 2010 3:23 PM

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Answer 1

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Feb 6, 2010 6:08 PM in response to cav9791

Hi cav9791,

There's thermal paste on the CPU & GPU and a tape over where the fan meets the heat sink. But other than that I'm not aware of anywhere "under the hood" where glue is used. Regarding the chemical smell, the only thing I could think that would burn (and emit an odor) would be either the thermal paste or the tape somehow.

It's probably worth getting the unit looked at, because it doesn't sound normal (at all). Could it be possible that the machine was exposed to something that got inside and is now on the heat sink and burning?

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