1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
You don't say what year or general condition as that would help complete the picture. To answer your question: Your exhaust manifold gasket might be shot, you may have a crack in the exhaust manifold, or the manifold bolts are loose or missing. You don't say if you have a turbo engine, but if so there's a number of extra connection joints that can develop leaks, and the turbo unit itself can develop a crack. You may also have a leak around the catalytic convertor, the muffler or the tailpipe area. Basically, if the exhaust gas doesn't exit where it should, it can find it's way into the cabin through a number of seal areas. There's a few large seals around the cabin itself such as the shift rod and wiring harness boots, plus a few smaller ones. If either one is ruptured, that's an easy entry point for engine compartment fumes. Torn or aged rubber door and trunk seals can also be an entry point if there's a leak along the exhaust system. You may also have holes from rust under the car near the trunk area or wheel wells.
Do it yourself leak detecting in the engine area and underneath is often a matter of listening and smelling. Many leaks are more obvious when the engine is first started. My 86 turbo system is in good shape, but the connections aren't absolutely leak free upon first start. On first start, I can see a buildup of moisture along the wastegate/elbow joints, and I hear an evident "piff piff piff" noise, plus I can smell exhaust if I sniff around that general area. Once the engine heats up and the metal expands, the noise goes away and I don't smell exhaust. Because there's considerable moisture content in the exhaust on first start, you might also see spitting of excess water from loose or corroded areas along the entire exhaust pipe. Those leaks generally don't tighten up as the engine warms.
posted by 207.200.116...
, Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:01:35
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