'94 850T wagon - exhaust smell thru the HVAC?

Post by **BlackBart** » 25 Nov 2018, 17:44

Just curious if this rings a bell with anyone.

I have an extra 850 that rarely gets used. The last few times I've driven it were chilly so I had the blower on. As it got warmer (I think?) I was getting a fume / exhaust smell in the cabin.

No exhaust leak at the manifold that I can tell.

I have an EGR Flow Too Low code. I've removed it, cleaned it, it clicks with some vacuum, new gasket. The manifold port was not clogged. I replaced the PCV system - a while ago but very few miles on it.

I have a bit of a random stumble on acceleration sometimes, and suspect intercooler lines or clamps. Or turbo controller vac lines, which I plan to replace soon.

So does this seem like something down around the manifold or turbo? An EGR line? A PCV pipe? There shouldn't be any exhaust or unburned fuel anywhere in the intercooler path. I can't see it sucking anything in at the fresh air intake end. Exhaust should only be manifold / turbo housing / downpipe / cat / out.

I'm a bit stumped. It isn't exactly pleasant, and may be dangerous, I don't know.

Thanks for any advice -

Post by **abscate** » 26 Nov 2018, 04:26

Could be it be oil leak and burning off? Just a tiny bit will give you an acrid smell in the car, if I spill more than three drips on SWMBOs car I get a memo.

Post by **BlackBart** » 26 Nov 2018, 09:14

AIT y ?

Doesn’t seem like a burned oil smell, more like an overly rich mixture.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Nov 2018, 09:54

Sorry about the pre-coffee iPad post.

Oil is acrid - that does sound more like exhaust. Ugh.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Nov 2018, 10:46

Check closely on the exhaust manifold gaskets and for cracks in the manifold itself. Also check the flexi-pipe at the bottom of the down-pipe to the cat.

If it is fuel related then naturally check the fuel hoses and for leaky o-rings on the injectors.

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 26 Nov 2018, 11:04

Thanks -

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 26 Nov 2018, 11:16

Are you only smelling exhaust when stopped, or all the time when moving? You will smell exhaust when stopped with the blower on in cold weather due to atmospheric conditions keeping exhaust gases lower towards the ground. However, if you smell it all the time, then there is definitely a leak somewhere. Probably at the flange where the exhaust connects to the turbo.

Post by **BlackBart** » 26 Nov 2018, 12:01

WhatAmIDoing wrote: ↑26 Nov 2018, 11:16Probably at the flange where the exhaust connects to the turbo.

And those bolts aren't going to come off happily.