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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: caykroyd on February 02, 2017, 08:45:56 pm

Title: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: caykroyd on February 02, 2017, 08:45:56 pm
I just redid my head gasket and installed a new Giles pump (power is great), but now if i shut the vents off I feel like I'm gonna die of exhaust inhalation.  It is only at high speeds and with the the vents off.  Stuck in traffic...no problem.  Turn on vents.....no problem.

Has anyone had problems of exhaust getting into cabin like this?  What could be the cause?  I think all the holes in my firewall are plugged.  It doesn't make much sense.

'85 1.6 N/A Golf


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Title: Re: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: janh95 on February 03, 2017, 03:27:21 am
I have had this when i swapped an old td engine into my 83 Golf.
The exhaust manifold where getting out. Retorqued them and havent had any problems with it.
Could als be the gasket between turbo and downpipe.

Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: caykroyd on February 03, 2017, 09:58:18 am
I replaced the metal gasket and clamp that connect the downpipe to the manifold... I hope that's not the problem because it's a pain to change out.  But I didn't think about the manifold to head connection.  I guess I can check that and those bolts haven't been touched. It still seems weird that I only get smoked out when the vent is closed....  I would think the vent would allow the exhaust in and with it closed any engine compartment exhaust would find a different path like under the car.  Darn.  This may not be an easy find...
Title: Re: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: ORCoaster on February 03, 2017, 06:42:00 pm
Another source is the back hatch.  The seal on that might be allowing exhaust back into the car as it rolls down the line.  There is a vacuum created inside the car. 
Title: Re: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: caykroyd on February 03, 2017, 08:31:38 pm
I thought about asking about the back hatch.  In fact, I know it's time to wash my white car when then entire backside is covered in exhaust.  I thought the seals were good, but I'll double check.


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Title: Re: Exhaust smell in cabin
Post by: ORCoaster on February 03, 2017, 09:16:37 pm
Those two plastic covers that are on the left side of the hatch and the middle go to the hatch as well.  If you have any sort of rust holes or seams rusting you might get exhaust in that way.  Check under the car along the spare tire carrier too.  Missing the big drain hole cover?  I get a whole lot less exhaust smell in my rig now that I replaced the 35 year old seal.  It was only around 60 bucks from the Parts Place.