Exhaust fumes - but only when moving, and worse with the windows down.

[LunaVyohr]

Alright, so it seems that I have an exhaust leak that sort of defies logic. Yes, I know I need to get it fixed ASAP. I'm not really driving the car right now. Anyway. I smell exhaust in my car, but only when the car's moving, and it becomes MUCH worse with the windows rolled down, especially the driver's side one. When the windows are rolled up, I can't really smell it, especially with the air on. I'm N/A. Thoughts?

 

[hvyman]

Possibly the exhaust manifold studs starting to back out.

Open the hood with the engine running. Should be pretty noticeable.

 

[jetjock]

That defies logic?

 

[LunaVyohr]

That defies logic?

I like hyperbole.

I'll check the studs.

 

[jetjock]

Ok. Had me worried there. For a moment I assumed if you smelled it when stopped with the windows closed it'd make more sense.

 

[LunaVyohr]

Well, I checked under the hood. To be honest, I didn't really notice any signs of a leaking manifold gasket. I heard a ticking, but I suspect that this is my valves needing adjustment, not the manifold gasket. I held a piece of paper around the manifold gasket, and besides being blown around by the fan I bit, I didn't notice anything abnormal. I didn't really smell any fumes.

I know the aluminum studs strip easily, though. Is there a magic way to retorque them without stripping them, or helicoiling them? I'm guessing not, but helicoiling them with the engine in the car is, I hear, extremely difficult, and I have no way and no time to pull the engine out of the car.

 

[jetjock]

I assume you don't have access to a smoke machine or gas analyzer. You could always pressurize the exhaust and bubble test it. Works very well.

 

[LunaVyohr]

No, I don't. Most of my useful tools have either been lost, or stolen anyway. So, I'm kind of in the dark on this.

 

[jetjock]

Well, you must have access to a vacuum cleaner. It and a spray bottle of soapy water is all you need.

 

[LunaVyohr]

What's the method?

 

[GrimJack]

With the engine off, run the exhaust from the vacuum cleaner into the tailpipe, then spray around the probably leaky areas with the soapy water?

I'd suggest doing this when the engine is cold...

 

[jetjock]

^ Now that makes way too much sense

 

[IJ.]

Check the Hatch and taillight seals

 

[jake8790]

Also check the rubber plugs in the spare tire well. If they are missing or you have rust holes back there, the vacuum from rolling down the window will pull in exhaust fumes.

 

[slowma70]

Check the Hatch and taillight seals

I agree with this 100%..I had the same problem and my hatch seal was f..ked up...I replaced the weatherstrip, both taillights gaskets and the trunk plugs( i was missing 1). Now i cant smell the fumes..