So my wife just rode in the car for the first time and said it really smelled bad of exhaust inside the car. Due to head injury I received several years ago I can no longer smell or taste, so I never realized it.


What could be causing this? When I got it running I had the CAT removed and all new exhaust from the Y pipe back. I don't hear an exhaust leak at the manifolds? Could it be leaking from the connections to the manifolds and get sucked in with the blower?

 

I've heard about the exhaust being pulled back inside if the rear hatch doesn't fully close. This would happen on auto pull down hatches that failed in mid stride. Negative pressure is supposed to suck the exhaust back inside.

On days when the exhaust is visible (assuming you're in Washington state) you should be able to see if you have any major leaks in the areas you described.

 

I thought about that but the rear hatch seems fully locked down. It does have the auto pull down but seems to fully engage. Plus, the rubber seal around the rear hatch is in remarkably good shape. Rubber is still nice and soft and there are no rips or tears.


I will get under there and make sure all the exhaust fittings are good and tight. Are there any type of gaskets or seals that are supposed to go between the exhaust manifold and the pipes?

 

You might have a hole in the floorboard somewhere. Has your wife ridden in older cars before? Because I know that older vehicles in general just let more smells in.