Deadly Fumes!

[andrew.c.brown]

This is my first actual post, so please bear with me. I have a 1989 Blazer with the TBI and about 160,000 miles on it. I haven't have it too long and don't really know anything that has been done to it other than what I can see from the outside. It has true dual exhaust coming off the stock manifolds, no cats, flowmasters, and it exits behind the rear wheels. There have been several posts addressing where to dump the exhaust to cut down on the fumes in the cab, but I couldn't find much on what causes the horrible fumes in the first place. I have white smoke only on start-up, and while driving the fumes get bad enough to make me a little sick. Anytime I really gas it, especially at about 65 mph or more, it really gets bad, almost smells like somethings burning. Any help would be appreciated, since I don't really want to take my kids in it while it's running like this. Thanks.

 

[BoondocK5]

Grab a rag and hold it over the end of either exhaust pipe w/ engine running. if you hear any hissing or whistling you have an exhaust leak, do that on both sides.

 

[Citizen Rider]

Do you cruise with the rear window down?

if so, thats where the fumes are coming from. the fumes exit the pipes and when it gets to the bumper everything goes up in the back and swirls around where the aerodynamics (or lack the of) ends. ending up in it being suckedback in to the cab. ive never had much trouble with it. but i always have the vent windows or all windows open.

 

[Fordum]

Andrew, what fluid are you losing?
Judging by your description, something is burning in the engine in addition to gas.
White smoke at startup is usually antifreeze caused by a blown head gasket, cracked head, or block. That can cause a really bad odor.
However, transmission fluid and even brake fluid can get sucked into the engine under the right circumstances.
That many miles on the engine may mean oil smoke, but most folks are familiar with that smell.
Rerouting the exhaust can help get the fumes out of the car, but you need to figure out what is causing them first.

J.

 

[gopher_6_9]

yeah my money is also on the rear window, with them down you can stand it.

 

[andrew.c.brown]

Checked for an exhaust leak, couldn't find one, so rules that out. I had been driving with the rear window down about 4 inches, rolled it all the way up and it seems to help the fumes inside the cab. I have been losing coolant very slowly, but the radiator is pretty bad, so I don't think I'm burining coolant. I think it might be burning some oil. Might just try a can of Restore until I can get a compression and leak-down test. Hard to find a good mechanic here in Hawaii. Guess I'll have to learn how to do it myself. Thank you for the help guys!

Andy

 

[ChrisPerry]

You may want to try putting the cats back on. They convert hydrocarbons (from unburned fuel) and carbon monoxide (both will cause you to feel sick and burn your eyes) to carbon dioxide and water. Your truck may even run a little better. Some fuel injected trucks need the cat for the o2 sensor to read correctly.

 

[rufusbooth]

You did not mention if you had any codes or check engine lights. Is your check engine light currently working? It should light up when you first turn the key to run for about 5 seconds I believe. There could be something wrong with an engine sensor that could be causing it to run rich.

And putting the cats back on will help the smell tremendously but if the motor is running rich it will take out the new cats in short order.

Rufus

 

[original balzer]

you may want to put one of the rear wings on it. Not one of those import ricer things but the ones designed to direct air down past the rear window.

some people dont like the looks of them I dont really mind but the improvement on keeping the back window clean and keeping the fumes out is well worth the looks in my oppinion.

I have had several blazers and jimmys most didnt have the wing. But when I ended up with a K5 that had the wing I noticed right away that the back window stayed cleaner. My K5's prior to that had hideously scratched back windows due to being rolled down with dirt and road grime on them. The K5 with the wing had a nice scratch free window and once summer rolled around I noticed it didnt get the fumes my prior K5s had got.

Someone on here will know what im talking about and may have a pic for you to see. I honestly think all K5s should have them not for their looks but for their function.

 

[tuggy24g]

Once you start getting dizzy and the road does not look straight anymore you know there is something wrong with your car or truck HAHAHAHAHAHAH