terrible engine / gas smell in cabin

[simonadot]

hi everyone,
recently bought a 67 250sl. I have terrible engine smell coming into the cabin when car is running after 20 minutes.
where is his coming from? how can I fix it??? 

please help.

[Cees Klumper]

Have you checked for leaks? Could be coming from anywhere really, but obviously should be taken care of as a matter of urgency. Check under the hood, under the car, in the trunk and let us know.

[cbenz1]

Lots of forum discussions on this topic - http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2062.0

I had same issue - it was a leak in the fuel line.

But more importantly - immediately buy a fire extinguisher and keep it in the car.   

[simonadot]

Hi Everyone,

my mechanic tells me its an exhaust leak.... but he is not sure.  its more a burnt oil smell. does taht sound right???

[georgem]

Hi simon

You probably have two issues - what is making the fumes PLUS how is it getting into the cabin.   For the second, you might have to do some hunting around the fire wall to plug any holes where the grometts are missing or not seated properly and at the same time hunt for the source of the leak. Exhaust leak at the manifold to header pipe join would be on my list.

cheers

[simonadot]

Hi George,
yes i do have an exhause leak. but all my door seals and rubber is  in good shape, how are the fiumes coming in???
can it come through my shift lever??? because the car is missing the rubber around the shift lever. 
let me know what you think.

thanks
 simon

[georgem]

Simon,

I would definitely get a new rubber boot - exhaust gas leaking from the manifold joint would definitely be travelling down that area and find its way into the cabin through the gear lever opening.  A test could be wrapping a damp towel around the base of the gear stick next time you take her for a drive. No or reduced smell would be a clue.

cheers

George

[simonadot]

thank you george , I will try it.