engine and drivetrain Need Adivce re: Exhaust Fumes in Cab

[gusopenshaw]

Issue is this: Cannot drive the car without windows being down because of strong smell of exhaust to point of near-lightheadedness. Have taken it to exhaust specialty shop (in NC) who say it's oil leaks hitting engine and blowing back into cab, but two attempts at repair have made no difference. Smell stronger at high speeds, for what it's worth. Know this occurs in 2002s; would appreciate any links to similar discussion, thoughts, advice. Thanks.

[hpsenicka]

I would expect that you should be able to tell the difference between oil burnoff, and true exhaust gas... it would be helpful to narrow it down so you know where to focus your repair and remediation efforts.

If it is in fact exhaust gas, and a competent muffler shop or mechanic has confirmed the exhaust pipes are in good condition and not leaking, it seems the next step would be to look for holes in the floor or trunk area that might permit gases to re-enter the vehicle. Ckecking the trunklid seal would be a good idea as well.

As for oil burnoff... obviously reducing the oil burning by stopping the leak(s) would be the first step!

[Guest Anonymous]

Could it be a bad trunk seal?

[dubois]

if you have an oil leak, most common is one of the exhaust manifold studs leaking, remove stud, clean oil residue (remove the valve cover to gain access), use loctite to seal. That's what I recall the fix is. If you have other leaks falling somewhere else in the exhaust system, then fix the leak accordingly.

If it is an exhaust leak, fix the root cause, ie the exhaust leak. Don't even bother trying to "seal" the underside of a 30 year car, fix the leak instead, it is a lot easier. Problem is that there are very few "competent" muffler shops. There are only two fool proof ways (that I know of) to find an exhaust leak, and neither one is used by muffler shops!

1) wrap your hands around the entire length, if you feel a hot jet, you have a leak

2) use a propane torch around the entire length, if the flame changes color you have a leak

Most leaks are found at joints, so look there, but your entire system may be also suspect.

most muffler shops use the "hose" method, and try to "listen" for a leak, need I need to explain why that does not work? In addition, what grease monkey would want to take the time to do 1 or 2? Especially 1 is tough, since you have to be very, very careful.

[AndyS]

Carbon fiber or fiberglass hood/trunklid? I nave one and I suck fumes most of the time

[Jack]

for the fumes to come into the car. Check for the gasket on the hood which faces up to the firewall baffle, as well as the side gaskets. There are assorted holes into the drivers compartment whcih may be open to the interior. Plug them.

In the trunk you may be getting transmission thru the speakers or other holes. I picked up some "thumb-gum" (sticky ball of mastic in the HVAC bus) and stuffed it in the corners where the wiring and fuel lines come thru the trunk wall. I also removed the parcel shelf and overlayed some Fatmat which effectively sealed 30 yrs of assorted other owners mods in that area and then rre-installed the speakers.