Gas Smell/Exhaust smell through vents..
 

Sorry this is a little off topic Mercedes wise, but this is the only car forum I'm active with, so I can only ask you guys for help. So here I go....

I need a little help with my 1997 VW Jetta GLS 2.0L.
For the last couple months, when my wifes driving, inside the cabin area there's a strong exhaust smell that sometimes smells like gas. It seems to be coming in through the vents, and it switches between exhaust smell and a heavy gas smell. It doesn't seem to be leaking gasoline, as I've raised the car and checked. However its fuel consumption right now is out of this world, its horrible on gas and seems to be dumping raw fuel/ running very rich. I can't seem to figure out what the problem could possibly be. If you guys could give me any suggestions or idea's on what it might be it would make a world of a difference.

thanks

It sounds like there is a major gas leak in the engine compartment. First start of the day closely inspect all the fuel line connections to see if any are wet ... it's easier to spot fuel leaks when the engine is cold ... once the engine compartment heats up any leaking fuel quickly evaporates.

EXHAUST LEAK. Check where the down pipe connects to the manifold. Sometimes this is a "flexible" or "ball" type fitting. It can wear. Or something could be loose or...

As far as the gas smell, when the engine is cold the exhaust has gas in it, that is what the cat is there to clean up.

Mike

I've already tried finding a gas leak, and can't seem to see anything at all. But what you're saying makes alot of sense aswell regarding, it gets burned off when the engine gets hot...maybe that where the smell comes from...?

mpolli the smell usually comes in large amount at higher speeds(on the freeway), not right away.

Exhaust system or a leaky EGR perhaps?

After you shut off the car, can you smell any gasoline in the engine bay?

Problem Solved!
 

Thanks for the input guys. The problem is solved.

I started off by changing OEM Cap/Rotor and Spark Plugs hoping to solve the burning rich problem, and it worked like a charm. Turns out one of my cables was shot, so i must have been running on 3cyc's and the computer was probably compensating for the power loss. This lead to excessive fuel consumption, it was pretty much dumping fuel like a 747 planning a crash landing.

While I was doing the spark plugs, I noticed my breather hose which looked fine from my viewing side, had actually eroded from the side facing the engine. It had a massive hole in it and i noticed oil residue against the engine. When I removed it, it was fragile and breaking with simple squeezing. I took the part to VW and they quickly found the part for me.

Cost: $125 for Bosch Spark Plug Cables
$35 for cap and rotor
$77 for oil breather hose thingy..lol.

all prices in CDN.

I had two mechanics(indies) tell me my engine was shot and no one noticed the problems of one cylinder not working and claimed head gasket as reason for oil smell entering through vents. The car runs like brand new right now and the smell is gone.

p.s. The only reason I did such a massive write up is to show people that you should always take a look your self before listening to a mechanic, i thought I was in for an engine overhaul.

trueog, congratulations on diagnosing and fixing the gas smell issue. It's time to find another shop to work on your Jetta. The 2 shops that failed to diagnose the original problem border on completely incompetent.