Exhaust Fumes in A/C - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 05-03-2003, 07:07 PM

I have a 86 190e 2.3 and I am getting exhaust fumes in my A/C vents when I am at an Idle. At cruising speed this isnt a problem but at Idle the fumes a very strong and I have noticed this happens even when I sat at idle with not other cars around (obviously other vehicles arent the source of the fumes). Any help guys would be greatly appreciated....I would even be willing to send the people that help me figure this problem out a nice custom printed mercedes tshirt!!

Paul

haasman · #2 05-03-2003, 07:37 PM

Paul-

It would seem that your car has either an exhaust leak or possibly an oil leak. Does it smell more like burnt oil or engine exhaust? It could be a leaking valve cover or other gasket.

Have you checked your exhaust system for leaks? Does the engine seem noisey, like it needs a muffler.

Get under your car and look and see if you can find a telltale black soot (exhaust) trail. My 190E was leaking at the back of the car where the final muffler bolts to the rest of the exhaust system.

Since your fresh air inlets are in the cowling area by the wipers, you maybe missing a rubber molding strip the seals the engine bay area from the wiper area. Check and see if it is there. If you need a picture, I could take one and post it.

Does it smell of exhaust only with AC? How about when the AC is off?

Keep us posted,

Haasman

ladomani · #3 05-05-2003, 10:23 AM

hi,
i would like you to post the picture you have spoken of.This is because my cousin also has d same problem wit his 190E.

thanks

haasman · #4 05-05-2003, 08:04 PM

Look to see if the rubber molding is in place on the top of the firewall which seals the engine compartment.

Here are two pictures- note that the wiper/colwing over has been taken off.

Haasman

#5 05-08-2003, 01:09 AM

MY rubber seal is all there but I am missing the hood blanket on the bottom side of the hood. Would it seal to the hood if the blanket is missing? Thanks for all your help !!

Paul

haasman · #6 05-08-2003, 09:35 AM

The hood seal doesn't touch the hood blanket.

csnow · #7 05-08-2003, 11:00 AM

When motor is cold, put a gloved hand over the tailpipe.
If there is a leak, you will likely hear the hissing of exhaust coming from a leak near the front.
If it is very difficult for your hand to resist the pressure, or the motor stalls, you probably do not have a leak.

Look for oil leak on the motor, probably on the hot (exhaust) side.