Exhaust Fumes Through Vents

[ABT]

Hi.

 

We have a 2007 07 C3 1.6 hdi Exclusive with 95000 miles on the clock. When car is stationary, there are what appear to be exhaust fumes coming into the car through the air vents, when either the blower or air con are on. When car is moving, smell seems to go but may be still slightly there. In April this year, the car had a new windscreen fitted due to a crack. Two days later, the car was MOT'd and passed. The exhaust fumes smell seems to be since that week but may be just a coincidence. Any ideas on what could be the problem and how to resolve it would be gratefully received.

 

Many thanks.

[premacyblue]

Have you replaced the pollen filter? If it hasn't been changed recently it ceases to work and lets in all smells including the engine. It's situated in it's own holder just below your windscreen. As the exhaust goes to the rear of the car it would be unlikely to be a source unless the manifold coming out of the engine is leaking. It could explain why you only smell it whilst stationary as on the move the fumes would blow under the car. A good sign of this is a slightly rasping engine sound when you accelerate. If you do get this noise then take it to Kwik Fit as they do free exhaust checks.

[paul.h]

May be worth looking under the bonnet for any hose leaks and also the exhaust pipe at the joint at the end of the down pipe since the mesh gasket could be leaking (assuming it to be the same design as the petrol engine one).

[kfk]

I would guess that the injector sealing rings have failed causing combustion gasses to be leaking past and then drawn into the cabin area when the fan is on........remove injectors, replace seals, refit.......sounds easy, takes about 4 hours to do

[ABT]

Many thanks for all replies. The pollen filter does need changed, so that's first on the list. Then we'll progress onto the 'more technical' things suggested (or at least someone who knows what they're doing hopefully will!). Thanks once again.

[ABT]

Just to update. Pollen filter has been changed, which it needed, but has made no difference.

 

When the top cover is taken off where the injectors are, the right hand two injectors have what appears to be black liquid near the top of them. Presumably this would mean the seals do need replacing, as kfk said? Any ideas what would be a reasonable cost for this to be done at an independant garage?

[flitwick]

My 1.4 16v doing the same some garages will not touch them oddly as they seem to think that they may have to strip the head off and drill the injectors out

 

yet I phoned perrys in MK and they said about £100 for one

[woody1965]

sounds exactly what i had ...turned out to be injectors ..cheap bits to buy and the black sludge will come off with petrol ....put a spanner on the top shoulders of injectors metal body and rocked back and forward ..

[ABT]

Had the seals replaced on injectors 3 and 4 at an independant garage. Cost was £90 including vat and all is now well!