1995, Volvo 850, NA, Cabin Odor

[Rbaratt]

For the last 6 months I have been getting some fumes in the cabin that to me smelled like exhaust gas. The fumes can be a bit overwhelming at times so I brought to it my custom exhaust shop and had them check it for an exhaust leak, and none were found. They thought the fumes might be related to the fuel vapor recovery system. To me it smelled like exhaust, not fuel. I drove it a couple more times and didn't notice and odor, so I wonder why it is intermittent. Any similar experiences out there?

[volvofornia]

Hi, I bought a '94 850 two weeks ago and I had the same feeling after I drove around the first days. I couldn't find any exhaust leaks so far but I fixed a couple of things which maybe also fixed the odor problem.

What I did so far:

- I checked the EVAP system of leaks and had one at the roll-over valve (next to the fuel filter)
- I also replaced most of the hoses cause lots of them where old and had leaks

Since then I don't smell exhaust or fuel fumes inside anymore.

Don't know if that helps but I wanted to let you know.

Best

[benpineapple]

I agree with volvofornia, likely EVAP leak

Might as well check other vacuum lines while you're at it. If it has an EVAP leak, it's likely a lot of other hoses are cracked and leaky as well.

[crlande]

PCV system? venting from dipstick or the hoses could enter thru fresh air vents.

[volvofornia]

PCV system? venting from dipstick or the hoses could enter thru fresh air vents.

The PCV emissions smell more "sweet" (hard to describe it) compared to fuel/exhaust fumes. I would start with checking the complete EVAP system. Let us know about the outcome.

[Rbaratt]

Thanks! Might be a little while before I get to check it out. As soon as the weather improves I'll take a look. I'll be sure to post my findings.