Is it normal to smell exhaust in cab?

[jlord]

When I am idling at a stoplight, or where ever, I can smell the diesel exhaust in the cab. It is not overpowering, but I can definitely smell it.



Is that normal?

 

[BarryG]

jlord:

I have the same smell sometimes. Seems to depend on wind direction. The air intake for the vents is in the cowl of the hood. I haven't used one yet but am going to get one. Geno's Garage sells a "cab fresh filter" that is supposed to help keep that smell as well dust etc out of your cab (uses a charcoal filter and $50ish in price). More importantly it keeps leaves, twigs etc out of your ductwork. Several members have posted that they had to replace the ac condensor or whatever. requires virtually pulling the entire dash to get to it and found that leaves etc were what ruined or clogged it up. If I recall they posted that the dealer wanted somewhere around 1000 to do that job.

 

[BigFun]

What you may be smelling is the fumes from the blow-by bottle. I don't know if the new engines have the same crappy set up or not. Many have simply removed their bottle and extended the hose a couple of feet. I sometimes get the fumes in my cab. It's just another friendly reminder of why I love my diesel!

 

[daveshoe]

I notice you have an 03. The oil the truck comes with from the factory is prone to smell more than some other oils . Come to think of it, the smell seems to decrease once break in is complete. You also may notice a stronger smell right after an oil change.

 

[illflem]

Don't know about the '03s but earlier models have a problem the foam seal at the rear of the hood ending up in the wrong place. This allows engine smells to come in the cowl intake for the cab air. Sometimes just smashing the metal rib in the seal down a little with pliers will keep it in place, others may require a little glue.

 

[tree truckr]

You guys smelling exhaust in the cab, might try tightening up the exhaust manifold bolts up a little bit when the engines cold. That should solve the problem.