2000 CRV - Strong exhaust fumes smell

[goober71]

Hi All,
I have a 2000 CRV LX I bought about a year back. It has 108K miles on it.
I now have a strong exhaust smell coming from the car when running. It appears to be coming from under the car, not the engine. No check engine light.
Any ideas what it could be? Maybe muffler going bad? or issues with the enhaust pipe going to the muffler?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.

Ro

[fixer]

There is a possibility that the car is sucking in exhaust from the tail pipe. If you are smelling the fumes when the car is moving it could be that you have a window open a crack. This can create a negative air pressure inside the cabin and the exhaust it being drawn into it through the ventilation openings. Don't forget the sun/moon roof if you have one that opens but is covered by a cover. The cover is not air sealed, and if you accidentally touch the open button, it will open a crack behind the cover and draw in fumes.
I'm assuming you have checked the exhaust system for leaks. If you are in a cold part of the world just start the car on a cold morning and then look underneath it. You should see exhaust (fog) condensation coming out of any holes in the system. This will eventually find it's way into the cabin as mentioned. The floor of a car of that age should also be checked for leaks by a pro if all else fails.

[goober71]

Thanks for your reply. I did get a chance to get under the car last weekend and inspect the exhaust pipe and muffler.
There do not seem to be any leaks in the pipe. The smell also does not seem to be coming from under the car. It is definitely coming out of the exhaust pipe the end of the muffler.
What could be causing it? Any ideas? The check engine light is not on, so i'm thinking it is not the cat convertor, since that would trigger a CIL, right?
Thanks.

Ro

[fixer]

So as I understand now, the smell is the problem, not the fact that it is getting into the car? If it smells of sulfur it is probably the converter, even though it has not given a code/cel yet. If it smells like burnt oil, it is, and the exhaust colour should be more blue. If it looks black it is rich fuel unburned. If it is whiter than normal (dense white) it is burning anti-freeze from an internal leak. It could also be fluid from a leak dropping down onto the exhaust and burning. Check and monitor all your fluid levels. Look for any objects like plastic bags clinging to the exhaust.

[ccselavy]

I've also got interior exhaust smell issues - This has been my 2012 CRV's 1st winter. I live in the northern mountains where cars get filthy and stay that way till spring. Apparently the new muffler shape catches road debris on top like a shelf and cooks it. Even with the windows closed and the air set on recirculation, the smell is awful. I can't even get a hose in the right position to clean the gunk off. Bad design decision! So, I'm trying to figure out how to keep this car I otherwise LOVE but still be able to breathe. Any recommendations? I've read the other posts - no leaks, no plastic bags.