What's going on here then? Exhaust gas in my face!

Gillybump · Post by **Gillybump** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 6:51 pm

Had the mechanic look over the bongo yesterday and he couldn't find anything wrong and was starting to imply that it was my imagination.

He did however suggest that ,if the wind was in the right direction, the large fan in front of the engine might be drawing the exhaust fumes from the rear to the front of the van and this did seem plausible as I don't always get the smell.

I am starting to take note of the weather when I smell the fumes and it is usually when it's windy.The smell is definitely veg oil and I think that is why I notice it more.

No further forward really but at least I know that there are no leaks on the bongo.

Cheers
Darren

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 6:56 pm

Large fan only works if the engine bay is too hot - he's spinning you one!

Gillybump · Post by **Gillybump** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 7:03 pm

The engine usually is hot when I get the smell,I am usually in traffic

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 7:07 pm

OK if you smell it again, quickly remove the centre console and disconnect the scavenger fan sensor plug next to the handbrake. That will stop the fan blowing, although I think you'll find the fan will only come on in v. hot conditions

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 7:17 pm

Unlikely to be the fan but very likely to be wind. Next time you smell it, check to see if the wind is blowing from behind you - it's the only logical explanation of your exhaust smell through the heater.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:12 pm

francophile1947 wrote:Unlikely to be the fan but very likely to be wind. Next time you smell it, check to see if the wind is blowing from behind you - it's the only logical explanation of your exhaust smell through the heater.

I agree. The Bongo pushes a fair volume out the rear pipe. If that drifts back with the wind or hangs about the vehicle you could well notice it more than a clean little car. I've always thought that big old diesels tend to be a bit more whiffy than modern petrol cars too (although old ones like my MG with its dripping SU carbs often reminded you they ran on fuel etc.). Its also often the case that ladies have a better sense of smell than men. And we all notice a 'new' smell more than a familiar one. Put that lot together and you could have your answer. If worried, put a CO sensor where it matters (I doubt it'll have anything to report but it'll give you peace of mind).

Gillybump · Post by **Gillybump** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:18 pm

I reckon that the wind is the only answer but I am going to keep monitoring the situation.

Thanks for all your input.

Cheers
Darren

Austin Powers · Post by **Austin Powers** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:32 am

Gillybump wrote:I reckon that the wind is the only answer but I am going to keep monitoring the situation.

Thanks for all your input.

Cheers
Darren

Excuuse Me!

Ricardo · Post by **Ricardo** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:40 pm

Bolt had sheared off the manifold which was allowing plenty of gas to come in through the scoop for the vents and seep into the cockpit.
Bolt drilled out and gasket replaced.
£185 labour!

Problem is no more.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:47 pm

To the tune of 'Chastity belt'

Manifold stud nonny nonny manifold stud

It all the fault of the manifold stud

anyone care to write a few verses?

H

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:02 pm

mikeonb4c wrote: If worried, put a CO sensor where it matters (I doubt it'll have anything to report but it'll give you peace of mind).

If it's a diesel, what good would a CO sensor do Mike?

Diesels don't emit CO. It's why you can't commit suicide using the exhaust fumes.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:13 am

scanner wrote:
mikeonb4c wrote: If worried, put a CO sensor where it matters (I doubt it'll have anything to report but it'll give you peace of mind).
If it's a diesel, what good would a CO sensor do Mike?

Diesels don't emit CO. It's why you can't commit suicide using the exhaust fumes.

Sorry, I didn't know that scanner. I had thought that all internal combustion involved the oxidation of long chain hydrocarbons. Unless combustion was complete, there was likely to be some carbon monoxide present in the exhaust gases in addition to carbon dioxide and water.

I think what I was trying to say was was this. The only serious consequence I could think of was the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you fit a sensor and it doesn't go off, then you can relax quite a lot. So if what you say is true, then fitting the sensor will confirm it. If it is not, you'll be glad you did.

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:42 am

Except under very rare conditions diesels always have an excess of oxygen, so no need for the carbon to stint on the oxygen like in poisonous old petrol engines and no need for a lambda sensor either.

The point of my comment about petrols killing you quickly, but diesels only making you cough a bit.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:08 pm

The MOT test on my last petrol Citroen 2.0 VTS read 0.01% carbon monoxide scanner - probably less than a diesel

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:44 pm

dandywarhol wrote:The MOT test on my last petrol Citroen 2.0 VTS read 0.01% carbon monoxide scanner - probably less than a diesel

I doubt it, but at least it shows your Lambda sensor and cat are working OK, getting your CO down to the levels diesels manage without any help.

CO (IIRC) isn't even measured in a diesel MOT.

What's going on here then? Exhaust gas in my face!

The final solution