re: Exhaust Question

["Giller,Bruce C." <bgiller@domain.elided>]

Gabriel,
	My '86 has had exhaust (sometimes gassy) fumes in the cockpit for quite
awhile now and I've tried all the things you have.  Put in a new trunk
seal, checked all openings in the trunk area under the mat, the fuel
sender gasket, tightened all the fuel line clamps, checked all the
hoses, the filler inlet hose, and the exhaust components (Stebro from
the cat. back)

	But I did find out that my cat. converter had pinholes in it which was
the main source of the smell.  To check for leaks in the exhaust system,
I attached the end of my shop vac to the tailpipe and use the vac to
pressurize the exhaust system.  Then I ran my hands all around the
exhaust system feeling for an air leak.  I tried to weld shut the holes
in the cat, but I just made new holes.  (of course my local Alfa mech.
told me that he had never had an Alfa cat. fail but only rust away) 
Finally I got a new cat (from DiscountConverter which is another story)
that solved this.

	In fact I got no fumes with the top up, all the windows shut and the
ventilation system open to outside air.  This will put positive pressure
inside the cockpit.  If I were to crack open a window, then the fumes
would return.

	Bruce

	'86 Spider
	'73 GTV

> Hello,  I've tried every to stop exhaust fumes from entering the passenger 
> compartment of my 86 Spider with no success.  Now with somewhat cooler 
> weather coming (I'm in South Florida so I won't say cold) the top will be 
> up more often and the chances for my demise is growing exponentially.
> 
> If any of you have experience this same problem and have remedied it... 
> Please forward your fixes to me ASAP before I fall out at the wheel.
> 
> So far I've replaced all exhaust components from he engine back, and the 
> trunk seal is new and tight...  Someone once mentioned turning the tail 
> pipe down, I'm thinking that may make things worse for the fumes seem to 
> make there way forward upon deceleration???  I've also hear about turning 
> the pipe to one side, not out the side like a pickup truck, but perhaps 45 
> degrees to the left... Does this work?
> 
> Anyone with any answers... please respond and if possible send a pix of the 
> rear of your car so I may see what you've done..
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