Exhaust Residue ??

Most likely a mold or mildew issue. Most diesels do not have that much black smoke these days, and to have most of it end up in your closet is highly unlikely.

No, the exhaust should go out the side or back of the coach-- the exception is if there is a leak in the exhaust system upstream of the tail pipe.

But, good weather stripping is important to keep out dirt and, yes, while driving, you can have a slight vacuum inside the coach that will allow a tiny amount of dirt into the bedroom area.

Again THANKS!!! to everyone for the amazing input.... The beauty of this scenario if there is one... We are not obligated to anymore money as the Dealer and Salesman are people I trust.... The crappy part is that out of all the DP and Gas Coaches we looked at over the last 11 months we pick this one.... The good part I suppose is that we became very educated at trouble spots on all the Used Coaches we went through... As wolfe10 said.. "This not Normal" and that sums it all up....
The Coach went to Maintenance for an Inspection and we have hired a private secondary inspection for our peace of mind after the Dealer gets done with our list of repairs....Along with an answer as to what is really going on.....
Being that it is out first DP we both feel like we are getting into uncharted water and need to rely on all of you to throw us some tips and opinions and what seems like very sound advice.... Thanks Again and will post the outcome if anyone wants to hear about it....
Wolfe10... Nice Checklist!!
If what you say in the last part of your smart advice and I quote

"Even if the DPF is plugged, it should not exhaust soot into the coach-- it would just materially reduce performance because of exhaust back pressure.

Exhaust/soot should exit either the side or back of the coach, not in the engine room.

Also, check weather stripping between engine room an interior." Unquote

Then I ask ..With a DP if it is the Weather Stripping then is it normal to still have minor Exhaust/Soot in and around the Engine Compartment??
I say this because generally speaking the Engine Compartment is relatively clean...

Thanks Again to ALL!!!

If this is diesel exhaust, first thing to do is to use a strong flashlight and check for evidence of a leak (black soot trail):

Between head and exhaust manifold
Exhaust manifold itself
Exhaust manifold and turbo
Turbo to pipe or exhaust brake
Exhaust brake to pipe
Pipe to muffler/DPF

Even if the DPF is plugged, it should not exhaust soot into the coach-- it would just materially reduce performance because of exhaust back pressure.

Exhaust/soot should exit either the side or back of the coach, not in the engine room.

Also, check weather stripping between engine room an interior.

This is not normal.

Well a followup to the original issue that started this thread. And Thanks to everyone for your input and advice. It was diesel exhaust which I suspected, after the bleach test failed. I guess now that it is up on the rack we shall soon find out. Does anyone think that the exhaust filter could be clogged and it is causing this problem. Not a diesel mechanic but I am learning about them the hard way. On the existing one there is a date of 6.12.12 and was not sure if that is an annual filter that needs to be replaced. ?. If it is clogged or had a restriction could it cause a type of blow back into the engine compartment if a leak was created. ? Remind you I am not a diesel mechanic..

GlennLever wrote:

Fmeyer777 wrote:
I want to thank everybody for their input..... Heading back to the dealer today to gather some more evidence and talk to the maintenence department. Since the coach has been on the lot for 3 months I was hoping for a humidity issue but my gut tells me exhaust problems....ugggh
It was a really nice coach hope it is something else

It could be as simple as having to caulk a seam, do your home work, do not relie on their mechanics as they work for the dealer and are in business to make a profit.

Heed the advice GlennLever and if you dare, ask him how he knows...;)

Fmeyer777 wrote:
I want to thank everybody for their input..... Heading back to the dealer today to gather some more evidence and talk to the maintenence department. Since the coach has been on the lot for 3 months I was hoping for a humidity issue but my gut tells me exhaust problems....ugggh
It was a really nice coach hope it is something else

It could be as simple as having to caulk a seam, do your home work, do not relie on their mechanics as they work for the dealer and are in business to make a profit.

I want to thank everybody for their input..... Heading back to the dealer today to gather some more evidence and talk to the maintenence department. Since the coach has been on the lot for 3 months I was hoping for a humidity issue but my gut tells me exhaust problems....ugggh
It was a really nice coach hope it is something else

From what you're describing, it sounds like diesel exhaust. You're also only finding it on the driver's side where the exhaust system is located. The bulk of the exhaust components, turbo, and exhaust brake are all on the driver's side. Check closely around these components for cracks or leaks.

use a little bleach water mixture in a spray bottle and spray on. If it is mildew it will clean it up, then you know what it might be. If it is mold or mildew, look for water intrusion somewhere.