why the hell.....

[87rx7getemboi]

im trying to figure out what could be the cause of the strong exhaust smell inside my car when i start it up and while im driving... any suggestions?.. already thought it could be an exhaust leak, dont think so, but any ideas let me know

[mwolvin]

If it's not leaking exhaust in the front, check the seals around the rear hatch and taillights. If you are not sealing in the back, the car will suck exhaust in while you are driving.

[Minnionator]

actually it might not be exhaust at all. misc engine gasses+ unburned gasoline can seep into the compartment if you have shitty fuel lines, leaking injectors, or a leaky pulsation dampener. my friend's rx had such a leaky pulsation dampener, it was actually spewing drops of raw gas right onto the intake and exhaust manifold

what kind of gas mileage do you get?

[AcCordGeN5]

Do you have your windows open or closed? Well, here are some thoughts and suggestions.

-Check the sunroof drains. You can use compressed air to clear the drains. If they are severely blocked, you may have to replace them.

-Check the rubber boot around the shifter. If it is not sealed, the air going past the sunroof/windows will suck exhaust fumes up through the hole.

-Check the rubber drain tube in the spare tire well. There is a hole roughly an inch in diameter there. The well hangs down low enough to drag often so the rubber drain thingy (or plug or whatever should be there) is taken off. If it is just glue a rubber plug in the hole.

-Other areas to look at are the drain tube that is attached to the radio antenna and also the drain tubes (one on each side) for the hatch cover. If these tubes are not hooked up or are missing they will provide a hole for exhaust to be sucked in as well. The last place to look would be the hatch gasket and then the tail light gaskets.

Do not overlook any hole no matter how small it is. It takes only an amazingly small hole back there to suck in fumes.

You previously stated you do not think it is an exhaust leak, but just to rule it out, double check it. Also, are you running a stock or modified exhaust? Check those areas out and let us know your findings.

Marc