Exhaust smell

[GaryB]

This issue is driving me nuts...

Once in a great while, I can hear a faint tick on startup that goes away on the driver's side. Not all cold startups though. Can't find any cracks in the Left manifold. Had it in the garage today doing a power steering flush. (Turns out you can use the rack alone to push the old fluid out, without the motor on, which was stressfree).

When I let it idle, I could definitely smell it on the driver's side under the hood, not on the passenger side. I smell it mostly in the cab....a whiff here or there while driving.

I actually just went as far as checking the spark plugs I put in a few weeks back to make sure they're tight....they are. What else should I be checking?

 

[Adieu]

So it's not the generally-smelly startup exhaust that's bothering you, but it getting inside the truck somehow?

Side exhaust or rear exhaust model? Both of mine left a worrying stink outside (but didn't keep em from passing CA smog), rear exhaust Lincoln would sometimes leak a bit into the cabin if stationary.... my guess was tailgate seals

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

This issue is driving me nuts...

Once in a great while, I can hear a faint tick on startup that goes away on the driver's side. Not all cold startups though. Can't find any cracks in the Left manifold. Had it in the garage today doing a power steering flush. (Turns out you can use the rack alone to push the old fluid out, without the motor on, which was stressfree).

When I let it idle, I could definitely smell it on the driver's side under the hood, not on the passenger side. I smell it mostly in the cab....a whiff here or there while driving.

I actually just went as far as checking the spark plugs I put in a few weeks back to make sure they're tight....they are. What else should I be checking?

Year, make, model, engine?

 

[Trainmaster]

Generally, you'd pull out the fender liner and wheel to feel around the manifold (and listen) for exhaust blowing from a leak. Could be a warped manifold that expands and seals up when it's heated.

Get your head in there and you'll find it.