First, I've done a complete emissions removal. I expect my car to smell horrible while sitting in place or when standing behind the car. However, I'm confused as to why I can smell my exhaust (windows down, or even just sunroof open) when I'm on the interstate. It's also not a raw gas smell or anything, it smells like exhaust. I don't think I have any exhaust leaks.

Are the aerodynamics of the FC such that there's a swirl effect? And no, I don't know the proper term, but I think you get what I'm saying.

Is there something in my engine bay causing the smell? I don't have a catch can and I'm thinking that could be it but I haven't been able to locate a smell.

Considering I don't have A/C I kind of need my windows open and the exhaust smell is... not so pleasant.

 

I've had some mad fumes come in through my shifter.
have you tried checking there?

 

Hatch seal perhaps?

 

I replaced the rubber shift boots a few months ago.

It seems to be ok.

 

how bad are we talking here? if you rool everything up does it go away?

 

Same thing used to happen to me with my old GTUs/TII. I had no emissions components. I could alleviate the smell if I opened two windows and not just one. It would be bad enough sometimes to make my throat feel funny from breathing it in.

I would think its not too healthy for you.

 

My n/a used to be really bad like that. It had no exhaust leaks and all emissions minus the air pump.

 

by swirl effect, are you talking about the venturi effect?? I have heard of rear diffusers causing a *swirl* behind the car, but i dont think the exhaust gases would reach you if that were the case.

 

Even a small hole will do major sucking of fumes. Check the taillight seals, 3rd brakelight seal. Any other opening like around the fuel pump cover.

 

Nothing comes in if I close the windows. Guess I should of specified that. I guess that rules out hatch seals and such.

 

Not sure on this but it seems if its only with windows open, it would have to be either right under you or in front of you. So maybe a slight exhaust leak somewhere or something. Then again I smell my exhaust leak no matter what I do. Comes through somewhere windows up or down

 

I removed my rear towing hooks and have not pluggeed the bolt holes. I get some smell from there, but only when sitting.

I would think that the gasses are coming in from the intake vents at the bottom of the windshield. What have you done with the lines to your charcoal canister?

 

the spare tire area rots out alot causing hole by tail pipes

 

fpd?

 

It's uncapped. Think that could be my problem? If so, what would you suggest doing about it?

 

i have the exact same problem. windows up=no smell, window or sunroof open even just a little = horrible fumes. please let us know how you fixed it, if you do

 

maybe exhaust leak. I had that once. Passengers kept complaining for some reason about some gassy smell, and it wasn't me . I brought it to an exhaust shop, and when they put it on a lift, the cat was split wide open. Got it fixed, and now it doesn't smell anymore.

 

I don't know... if there is odor coming from the lines, you could extend them and route them somewhere, but I would think it's more likely from an exhaust leak in or near the engine bay..

 

I had the same problem. Mine was coming from the hole under the spare tire. I cleaned it really good and put some duct tape on both sides of the hole.

 

the only solution i ever found for those fumes was to put the cats back on...it felt good to be responsible and enviro friendly for a few days. then i ripped em back out after the emmissions test. god the n/a is a totally different car without cats.

 

its raw fuel unburnt gas et. keep breathing it in if you dont mind sleeping 6 ft. deep.

 

The fact that you don't get the exhaust smell with the windows up doesn't rule out the hatch seal (or any other places mentioned). With the windows closed you don't get the venturi effect, which is what draws the fumes in. Also when you have the window all the way open or both windows open, obviously the sheer amount of clean air flowing thru will be enough that you either don't notice the fumes or it causes the venturi effect to stop due to the physics involved.

The hatch seal can appear to be good, yet still be the problem. It doesn't take much of a leak for the suction to pull the fumes thru. Thats why the taillight seals and any rust holes can also cause this problem. Just don't drive for long periods with the window cracked until you track down the cause ...carbon monoxide poisoning can sneak up on ya without you realizing it!

 

I have the exact same problem. No problem with windows up. I have no emission and a racing beat exhaust. In my case I would not be surprised that an exhaust leak cause the problem.

edit: I also premix, I don't if that can cause the trouble.

 

I think I'm just going to put my emissions equipment back on. I (my builder) took it off because I didnt' really know enouch about the car to fix it properly. Now that I do I think it won't be a problem. Maybe get a Racing Beat header and Bonez Hi-Flow cat and go from there.

When the windows are all the way down I still smell it, probably the worst.

I'll check for holes and such. I'll crawl around in my car while sitting and sniff random things I guess.

Care to explain that comment?