I've got an exhaust smell in the cabin when the car is at idle. 2000 Outback Ltd, 126,000 mi, manual tranny. I've put 300 of those miles on it myself (I just bought it).

 

Got a great deal because it needed headgaskets...that's been taken care of. Before I bought it I also knew it needed the catalytic converter(s) replaced.

 

Please tell me that the exhaust smell and the catalytic converter issue is related.

 

The smell is almost like fuel, but not exactly, it's partially burnt, but not completely burnt.

 

I figure it's either the cats or an exhaust leak left by the mechanic when they pulled the engine to do the head gaskets.

 

Any guesses as to which? Steps for diagnosis before Monday when I'll take it to the mechanic to see what they say?

Check your axle boots and the engine for oil leaks. Also check the FI hoses under the hood, for some reason in this year thats a popular place to get what you describe.

 

nipper

So you think that the mechanic didn't securely attach something when putting the engine back in last week? I'll check the hoses.

 

The boots look sealed, although one is showing some wear...it's not leaking though.

sometimes we are human, sometimes older hoses fail after being fiddled with.

 

nipper

Mystery solved, I think I should get a free oilhange out of this human error. It is human and it isn't something that would cause me to stop taking my car to this mechanic.

 

The mechanic didn't reconnect the PCV hose to the PCV valve when he dropped the engine back in. It explains why the smell smelled fuelish and exhaustish but not really either to me. It smelled like hot oil!

 

Anything I should check for having run the car without this hose for a 50 or so miles?

no But now that you know where it is, replace it. People never do, and they do need replacement once in a decade or so

... sometimes older hoses fail after being fiddled with.

 

 

 

thats what she said.

sometimes older hoses fail after being fiddled with.

 

thats what she said.

 

and they do need replacement once in a decade or so

 

Anyone know a good place to have that done?