Exhaust smell in cabin

themule · Jun 16th, 2024, 09:47

Hello, I am trying to diagnose a problem and any advice would be much appreciated. I have just picked up a 2001 V70 petrol, none turbo. It has a couple of issues, but the most pressing one is the fume smell in the cabin. The smell is there even with the fan blower off. I cannot see an obvious exhaust leak either under the car or in the engine bay and have tried the trick of stuffing a rag in the exhaust. A new back box was fitted recently and the exhaust looks ok. What else could be a likely culprit? The oil filler cap looks ok?
Any help appreciated

Georgeandkira · Jun 16th, 2024, 14:07

The 2001 you just acquired likely needs PCV service. Here, such a service means replacement of all the hoses and box.
It's all tucked neatly behind the intake manifold.

Any of the hoses as well as the collection box itself can develop a leak.
The odor is strong.

Many times you'll see the top-most hose, the longest of them- running between the oil filler neck down to the collection box, has been replaced.

You can look and finagle a replacement top hose (attaching the lower end will be challenging) but doing the job completely might be what you'd rather do.

Your 23 year old plastic + rubber parts might have more than one leak.

How many miles on this 2001?

themule · Jun 16th, 2024, 15:56

Thanks for replying. I think you are right, I spent the last couple of hours investigating. I did the 'glove test' and the glove gets slightly inflated plus when I pull the dipstick I can see some smoke. I removed one sparkplug and there is some oil at the base of the sparkplug well.
I have found a how to video for the turbo version of this engine to replace the PCV system and it looks time consuming. Do you know how long it would take for my non turbo engine (for a DIY ) as I am assuming it's slightly easier?
The car has only done 74000 miles but I guess that means it has done lots of short journeys which maybe excaserbate the problem.

themule · Jun 16th, 2024, 16:00

I should add that there is no sign of oil leaking from the cam seal.

Georgeandkira · Jun 18th, 2024, 14:27

A handy bloke performed this task and photo-documented it. It took him an entire day.
The kicker is removing a small (10mm, I think) nut which is partially blocked. A 1/4" drive and universal (swivel) joint is needed.
That's the only special tool needed.

Jun 16th, 2024, 09:47	#1
themule New Member Last Online: Jun 16th, 2024 17:34 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: York	Exhaust smell in cabin Hello, I am trying to diagnose a problem and any advice would be much appreciated. I have just picked up a 2001 V70 petrol, none turbo. It has a couple of issues, but the most pressing one is the fume smell in the cabin. The smell is there even with the fan blower off. I cannot see an obvious exhaust leak either under the car or in the engine bay and have tried the trick of stuffing a rag in the exhaust. A new back box was fitted recently and the exhaust looks ok. What else could be a likely culprit? The oil filler cap looks ok? Any help appreciated

Jun 16th, 2024, 15:56	#3
themule New Member Last Online: Jun 16th, 2024 17:34 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: York	Thanks for replying. I think you are right, I spent the last couple of hours investigating. I did the 'glove test' and the glove gets slightly inflated plus when I pull the dipstick I can see some smoke. I removed one sparkplug and there is some oil at the base of the sparkplug well. I have found a how to video for the turbo version of this engine to replace the PCV system and it looks time consuming. Do you know how long it would take for my non turbo engine (for a DIY ) as I am assuming it's slightly easier? The car has only done 74000 miles but I guess that means it has done lots of short journeys which maybe excaserbate the problem. Last edited by themule; Jun 16th, 2024 at 15:58.

Jun 16th, 2024, 14:07	#2
Georgeandkira Premier Member Last Online: Jun 23rd, 2024 21:02 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hackensack	The 2001 you just acquired likely needs PCV service. Here, such a service means replacement of all the hoses and box. It's all tucked neatly behind the intake manifold. Any of the hoses as well as the collection box itself can develop a leak. The odor is strong. Many times you'll see the top-most hose, the longest of them- running between the oil filler neck down to the collection box, has been replaced. You can look and finagle a replacement top hose (attaching the lower end will be challenging) but doing the job completely might be what you'd rather do. Your 23 year old plastic + rubber parts might have more than one leak. How many miles on this 2001?

Jun 16th, 2024, 16:00	#4
themule New Member Last Online: Jun 16th, 2024 17:34 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: York	I should add that there is no sign of oil leaking from the cam seal.

Jun 18th, 2024, 14:27	#5
Georgeandkira Premier Member Last Online: Jun 23rd, 2024 21:02 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hackensack	A handy bloke performed this task and photo-documented it. It took him an entire day. The kicker is removing a small (10mm, I think) nut which is partially blocked. A 1/4" drive and universal (swivel) joint is needed. That's the only special tool needed.

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