Exhaust smell in cabin while idling, any ideas?

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by RogueX, Feb 21, 2013.

  1. RogueX

    RogueX Light Load Member

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    Indianapolis, IN
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    Whenever I am sitting, idling and using the AC/heat from the front my cabin reeks of exhaust. There is no smoke, but I can clearly smell it coming out of the vents. Already wasted $1000 having the exhaust manifold gaskets replaced (dealer said that was the cause) but the smell is still there. Seems to be worse when using heat as opposed to the AC. The rest of the exhaust is intact, I have no idea where this could be coming from. Any ideas?

    2007 Volvo 780 D12 engine. 738k miles.
    :biggrin_2551:
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2013
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  3. cdub304

    cdub304 Light Load Member

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    Look for black sut on the flex pipe from the turbo or the clamp from the turbo. While the engine is running try spraying some liquid on the flex pipe running from the trubo if the sound changes then that is where you leak is. Dont trust the dealers conclusion. They are human and do not always get it right.
     
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  4. RogueX

    RogueX Light Load Member

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    Indianapolis, IN
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    Will do, would a leak there cause me to hear a faint high pitched whistle like sound when the turbo boosts up and when I use the engine brake? That started happening recently as well.
     
  5. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    If yopu are hearing more turbo noise, it may be the gasket between the turbo and the manifold/head.
     
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  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Check the bushing on the engine brake if you can find it. That is what I would believe is causing it.
     
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  7. cdub304

    cdub304 Light Load Member

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    Rockford,IL
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    Did the whistle start around the same time as the fumes in the cab? Normally if you have an exhaust leak you can hear it at a cold start if you are on the side of the truck that it is on. It usually sounds like a ticking noise. A leak in that flex pipe would increase the sound of the jake brakes so I imagine it could also contribute to the sound when the turbo boost is up. The fact that it is getting in the cab leads me to believe it is close to the fresh air intake tube for the cab. Do you have a headache after driving the truck or smell exhaust on you after you leave the truck?
     
  8. RogueX

    RogueX Light Load Member

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    Indianapolis, IN
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    The fumes started long before the noise, the fumes made me go to the shop where they replaced the manifold gaskets. The whistling noise started shortly after that. I went back to the dealer complaining of the noise since it occurred right after they worked on it, they tore it all apart again, told me told me the noise was from an Egr that didn't get put back on right, put it back together free of charge. Sent me on my way, noise still there... So now I have the fumes and the noise, no headaches, it's not really noticeable while I'm driving. But while sitting it just reeks. And no, I don't notice any smell on me when I'm away from the truck. They mentioned the turbo gaskets and clamps too, but said nothing of them leaking.
     
  9. Chicken Legs

    Chicken Legs Bobtail Member

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    your flex pipe is leaking near your air vent
     
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  10. RogueX

    RogueX Light Load Member

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    Indianapolis, IN
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    Flex pipe seems to be the consensus...I'll check it out. Thanks guys.
     
  11. BulletProof

    BulletProof Medium Load Member

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    Alabama
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    I would change the cab filter as well. The exhaust manifold may have been leaking and now it makes the filter smell like exhaust and when you turn the A/C or heat on, it pulls air through the filter and brings the smell with it. The would probably be the cheapest place to start.
     
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