Exhaust Fumes

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 7:01 pm

Howdy,

While driving with the top down, there's a noticeable amount of exhaust fumes. Last May, I had the center and tail pipe replaced. I've always had some exhaust fumes, but it seems to be more now.

Is this just the nature of the convertible?

Thanks,
Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:56 pm

My problem with exhaust fumes was with the top up and it ended up needing a deck lid gasket. Is your crankcase hose hooked to the air breather? It may be coming from there.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:02 pm

good point Denise.

And, Clint...what year is your car? some EGR hoses may be leaking and yet not big enough to make exhaust noises.

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 2:20 am

It's an 82 stick with 42K miles. What and where is the deck lid gasket? Also, how do I check for EGR leaks?

Thanks,
Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:52 am

Sorry! It's gasket around the opening of the trunk lid. I would never have believed this was the cause of my exhaust fumes until someone here mentioned it, but it worked.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:13 am

FI cars don't have egr

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 8:02 pm

Howdy,

It does seem hard to believe that the deck lid gasket would be the problem.

Again, I'm driving with the top down and my gasket looks to be in good shape. Perhaps, I'll put something in to make it a tight seal and see what happens.

Thanks,
Clint

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 8:46 pm

I'm sure you have done this, but just in case...

every joint at every pipe and each fitting for the catalytic converter and muffler all seal well. there is no leaks at any joint? There is no leak at any pipe seam?

You are sure that the exhaust manifold has zero cracks, and the fitting between the exhaust manifold and the downpipe seals properly?

The exhaust manifold is secure to the block?

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:47 am

Thanks, Mike. I'll check for leaks.

If there aren't any leaks, does it make sense that leaks with the truck gasket may cause some sort of back pressure, drawing flumes into the car while driving?

Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:09 am

It was more evident with the top up on mine. Something else to check would be the shifter boot for tears, grommets in engine compartment missing, holes in the floorboard and routing of crankcase hose.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:34 am

Take it a step at a time, Clint. If there is a source (crack or hole or fitting separation) the cure is simple. We can continue the 'what if' game after we're sure about the exhaust system.

The British call that the 'boot'. Where do they come up with those names? And no, it does not make sense....but we read proof that even that is possible.

Someone go wake up Sherlock.....the game's afoot!

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:49 pm

Howdy,

After visually inspecting the exhaust manifold down to the muffler, I don't see any cracks. Is there a test to check for leaks? Will a smog center be able to fine the leak or crack?

Also, I was told the fumes could be the result of the engine running rich. Is this accurate and what does running rich mean? How will it affect my engine performance? My Spider is an 82 with fuel injection.

Thanks,
Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 8:04 pm

Running rich is too much fuel mixture. Pull the plugs and see what they look like. IF they are black or carboned up, or if they smell strongly of gas, you're running rich. I imagine an FI system would probably be more sensitive to running rich, but the car would sputter and have black smoke coming from the tailpipe. Of course, I don't see how that would cause the problem of fumes in the cabin. Is your tailpipe straight or curved down toward the road? It seems I remember someone having a problem with fumes after replacing the tailpipe.

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:24 am

Howdy,

My tailpipe is straight out. The car doesn't sputter and runs well. I don't see any black smoke coming out.

People who have been passengers think the odor is more like gasoline than exhaust fumes. Perhaps, the gasoline odor is coming in from the engine. I noticed the ordor when I'm driving.

I can smell a small bit of gas odor in my trunk (is this normal?). So, I check the tank and gas line for leaks and moisture. I also followed the gas line into the interior of the car. Again, no moisture or leaks found.

So, I tried to check the plugs, but I can't remove the wire because they're pretty tight. Is there a special tool to remove the wires? I'm pulling at the end cap, not the wire itself.

Thanks,
Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:39 am

Gee, FI is way out of my league...in fact, anything newer than 72 is . Maybe Mark will step in. Do the newer models have a vented fuel cap or the vent valve in the trunk? Could be a leaking injector seal or a seeping fuel line...don't they run on the inside of the car versus underneath? Hope you don't smoke!