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dad2aprincess's avatar
dad2aprincess
Explorer
Mar 28, 2015

Diesel smell inside coach

When driving, we are getting a strong diesel smell inside the coach. The problem is much worse in the rear (closer to the engine). We can park all night with the generator running and not have a problem, but when we start moving, the diesel smell becomes overwhelming. We were driving 200 miles Thursday, and I was able to minimize by turning on all three air conditioners (cab and both coach A/C's). Unfortunately, that's not a good long term solution when its 40 degrees outside.

I mentioned this to the dealer and they did seal up three places that were suspect, but the problem is still happening. They said we absolutely should not be smelling diesel inside (and they're happy to keep working on it, I just can't get it back to them right now).

Do you guys have any ideas, or have you had this happen? Thanks again for your sound advice!
Class A
  • UsualSuspect's avatar
    UsualSuspect
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    If you can smell it and it smells like exhaust fumes, park it and call the manufacturer, CO2 can be deadly. If it is diesel fuel prior to combustion, that is also a hazard, and while remote, can catch fire. I would tell the dealer to come and get it, and don't bring it back until it is safe to drive. If it is diesel fuel, they should be able to see where the leak is, the stuff attracts dirt so it should not be hard to miss, and they can die the fuel and use a blacklight if they think it is vaporized diesel, which is extremely flammable.
  • JR45's avatar
    JR45
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    If it is raw diesel and it is that bad you should see something on the ground when you park and start up the next time and if it is diesel exhaust smell you should see soot in the area where it is leaking. If it is exhaust I don't know if it would set off any of the alarms inside the coach. Fuel leak is a fire bomb going down the road, exhaust a good way to go to sleep going down the road.
    Last week when changing out my air filter I seen fuel dripping from the bell housing, removed the floor and it was the fitting coming out of the back of the head a plastic 1/2" return line to the tank. Removed the fitting and installed a compression style fitting replacing the push on air style fitting.
    JR
  • dad2aprincess's avatar
    dad2aprincess
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    It smells more like diesel fuel to me. That's why we were thinking it's from the engine (before DEF treatment) and not the exhaust.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    ArchHoagland wrote:
    We keep all ceiling vents and windows closed while moving.

    I assume you mean diesel exhaust?

    Can't really assume here and the OP should have made it clear, as to whether it's a fuel or an exhaust smell, before one can even think about it.
  • ArchHoagland's avatar
    ArchHoagland
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    We keep all ceiling vents and windows closed while moving.

    I assume you mean diesel exhaust?
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    We had an exhaust leak last year that pumped fumes into the coach. I would look at the exhaust after the turbo. Ours was a hole under the exhaust pipe insulation between the turbo and muffler..
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Mar 28, 2015
    Quite unacceptable for a new coach, I agree. Probably a fuel leak, and I'm sure they will track it down, but what a pain in the kiester until they do manage to find and fix it. Sorry for you. But you definitely do need to get it fixed, and the sooner the better.
  • Gooding__R's avatar
    Gooding__R
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2015
    If it is a pusher it may be coming in under the bed if you have storage. There is a probe out there that senses gas fumes. Most propane dealers have one. Next time you fill your propane tank ask the attendant if they have one. Crank the engine and probe the areas around the rear section. Hope this helps.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Mar 28, 2015
    For a new coach, this is totally unacceptable and potentionally dangerous.
    When you are going down the highway, a partial vacuum is created behind your vehicle. Is there any chance that a window is open, or not closed properly, that is allowing the exhaust fumes to be drawn inside?

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