Well, OK... it might have something to do with that rear muffler that has a hole in the back--I know I need to replace that. The engine does not run particularly smokey at all.... but of course it's making some soot being a diesel.

There are two thumb-sized water drains on either side (under the side liners) that have a series of flaps in a small circle---that seem designed to let water drain out--and keep big snakes from crawling in. Under the spare tire, there is a round hole about the size of a half dollar that is wide open.... I figure some kind of plug is missing from there. Since the spare tire is especially sooty, I figure this hole is quite the culprit. There's a panel over the tire... and a piece of carpeting over the panel that looks like its spent a decade at the EXIT of a coal mine---near a sign reading: "All Miners Please Wipe Their Boots Before Leaving!"

There's enough soot in the trunk that I wouldn't think of putting any luggage (or white wedding gowns) back there. This is a new (27 year old used) car to me... so I dont know if I just cleaned out a month's worth of soot----or 27 years worth of soot.

Which are the usual suspects (after replacing the muffler)?

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1977 Mercedes 240D. 4-speed transmission. Windows, A/C, and sunroof: all manual. Medium Red. 204K miles.
1988 Subaru GL wagon. Dual range 5-speed 4X4. Daily driver w/ twin parts car.
1994 Subaru Loyale wagon. 5-speed 4x4
1966 International 3/4 ton 4X4 truck. Ooh yeah!
1952 Ferguson TO-35 farm tractor.
1984 Snapper rear engine riding mower. Just like Forest Gump.
1988 Nimble 20 sail boat
--Older stuff is built better--

In the trunk of my 83 300D, I have all the correct drain plugs in place, but I know the white parts of the INTERNALS of my CD changer, mounted on the ceiling of the back of my trunk get soot into them. Its not really soot partculates, but it is a black discoloring that wipes away.

Ive replaced all the leaky exhaust components, and it still gts in. I think its when at idle, the exhaust can seep through the back of the trunk (there are air outlets and seals that probably arent 100% as well), and it disperses and ends up everywhere. I guess they should have made the outlet just slightly lower, or to stick out a tad bit.

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

Or in chrome, up the side, terminating above the roofline with a weighted rain flap or curved, aft-facing tip.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Had same problem in a 1986 190D. Could not open windows or sunroof without sucking in diesel fumes. Spent way to much time looking for exhaust leaks and openings into the cabin. Exhaust smell was strongest in the trunk. Between the taillights there is a panel that hides trunk latch, wires, etc. Also hiding here are two one-way flapper valves that allow air exit (such as when slamming the trunk) but not entry. They snap into the bottom sheet metal that opens below the bumper. Found one just laying there. Cleaned up the minor soot, snapped it back in, found heaven. No more smell, can drive with windows open, sunroof open. Only "problem" is that #1 son turned 16, so of course, it now sports a stereo that can be heard way over the diesel, plus the interior glows with blue neon. The proplem is not the stereo, but whats on it. Pop in a Who CD and all is well. :-)

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon