motegicivic

96 civic EX

When I start the car in the morning with the vent open and defogger on, I can smell what seems like exhaust. Not really like raw fuel but more of an exhaust smell.

I checked under the hood, no visible fuel leaks.

any idea?

Former User

It's normal for a cold engine to run on the rich side until it is warmed up.

StreetsideStig

I guess I would just check the exhaust manifold and pipe for cracks or holes.

motegicivic

That is interesting, the smell seems to go away maybe 5 to 10 mins.

Ron does your car do it too?

Former User

Absolutely -- all three of my cars -- two Civics and a Toyota

motegicivic

Oh, this is good to know.

kyden

it shouldn't smell inside the car, unless you have an exhaust leak.

motegicivic

I will smell it when the vent is open, typically in the morning.

frankenghia

is it the vent set on fresh air from outside the car or set on recirculatory?

Go_Race_Your_Self

What Ron said. You have nothing to worry about. Your PCM is programed to do this. Its called "open loop". When your car is at operating temp, it goes into "closed loop".

Kev

99civ

is your car gutted? I can smell it in my hatch 100x worse because of the no interior versus my 4dr(duh). They always run rich at start up.

motegicivic

Fresh air for defogger setting to clear the windows

vinem1

ResqDogz

I have a '94 Del Sol Si with these similar "odors", that is experiencing a dramatic reduction in fuel economy... no visible fuel leaks, but sometimes "stutters" in low-end starts - yet runs smoothly at speed.
Could there possibly be a vacuum leak that accounts for the poor fuel economy?