exhuast smell coming from the air vent

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by XG, Oct 24, 2003.

  1. XG

    XG Guest

    recently I noticed an exhaust smell from the air vent specially when the car
    is in idle or on park, seems good when running. What could be the cause of
    this? exhaust leaking, engine burning oil, or any possible cause?

    My car is a 1992 accord lx with 110k miles on it and has a good MPG about 30
    for most highway driving.

    Thanks for any clue!
     
    XG, Oct 24, 2003
    #1
  2. XG

    Paul Bielec Guest

    exhaust leaking and the fumes getting to your heating system air intake
     
    Paul Bielec, Oct 24, 2003
    #2
  3. XG

    Sean Donaher Guest

    It's probably an exhaust leak. Since the smell is coming from the air
    vents, I'd venture that the leak would be towards the front of the car and
    is getting sucked into the air intake of the vents right in front of the
    bottom of the windshield. The first place I'd check would be the exhaust
    manifold. Check it for cracks or a bad seal. It could also be leaking
    where the manifold connects to the pipe going under the car. Depending on
    how cold it gets in your area, it might be a good idea to check the car for
    leaks first thing the morning when it's still cold. Your exhaust fumes will
    be more visible when it's cold because of the water vapour. Just poke your
    head under the car when it's running and look for white smoke coming out
    anywhere.
     
    Sean Donaher, Oct 25, 2003
    #3
  4. XG

    Falco Guest

    How about .... the car in front of you is a smoky car"
    maybe you had your air vent on recirculate and now you have it drawing air from outside.
     
    Falco, Oct 25, 2003
    #4
  5. XG

    Sean Donaher Guest

    Yeah, that happens sometimes too but the original poster said he smells it
    when the car is parked or idling. Of course, he never specified whether he
    meant in his driveway or on the road so you could be right.
     
    Sean Donaher, Oct 25, 2003
    #5
  6. XG

    XG Guest

    Thanks for all these inputs. I'll check the leaks as you mentioned. I don't
    think the fumes come from other cars because this problem exits when in the
    open parking lot or idles when no car is in front of mine.
     
    XG, Oct 25, 2003
    #6
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