Exhaust smell from VR6 in cabin under acceleration..

[Jim 2]

I took my VR out for a pootle the other day and decided to stretch it's legs a little once fully warmed up and I was surprised to realise that with the window open a smidge, I could really smell exhaust fumes when I gave it a good burst of acceleration. I'm pretty sure the exhaust system is good - it's only a few year old genuine VW VR6 system and really does not sound like it's leaking anywhere. Could this be a symptom a crack in the exhaust manifold gasket or something similar?

 

Cheers.

[daleyboy 0]

A manifold leak would sound like tapping or clicking which you would hear on idle, unless the manifold has been taken off i wouldn't suspect the gasket, i think you're gonna have to get your head round the back of the engine and have a listen.

[Jim 2]

I have had a very weird tapping / clicking noise for a while with my VR6 which has been driving me crazy.. could explain it!

[Jim 2]

Anyone else? :(

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Does the exhaust smell catalysed or not? Should give you a clue as to how far along the car you need to search for the leak.

[Jim 2]

No.. it doesn't smell like normal sweet exhaust smell. It smells more "dirty" I guess would be the word?

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Then it's a leak before the cat. So could be downpipe gaskets, manifold to head gaskets or a cracked manifold. Exhaust gases are denser when the engine is cold, so make a louder blowing noise. Stick your head under the bonnet next time you start it from cold and see if you can hear / smell where it's coming from.

[Jim 2]

Cool - cheers Kev.

[CazzaVR 0]

Had this exact problem on my old green VR and it was the manifold/downpipe leaking.

[Jim 2]

Cheers Andy... sounds like it might be time for a trip to see Vince or Graham! Don't fancy tackling that myself!

[CazzaVR 0]

Nope, not the easiest job in the world! The bolts underneath are a nightmare without a ramp. I got lucky, as my local garage had a good used one lying around to just swap over.