A4 2.0 Tdi Exhaust Smell in Engine Bay

[the_ace1982]

Hi folks, I have recently bought my first Audi and am loving it so far

One thing I noticed is I can smell exhaust gas in the cabin when driving slowly so I asked my local exhaust place to check it out and they couldn’t find any issues.
I used a gas sniffer to narrow it down and have found a leak somewhere in the area of the cat(?) right after the turbo.
Are there any common issues here to look for whilst i’m in isolation or is it a specialist job? Tia!

 

[spartacus68]

Have you double-checked the exhaust clamp under the car. I's a long shot - but that clamp is prone to rusting like a can of peach slices. Mikalor do stainless replacements.

Not aware of any other issues exhaust-wise with 2.0 litre diesel. Have you hooked up VCDS to rule out any errors that have been logged? Are you down on power, losing oil?

 

[the_ace1982]

Thanks Spartacus, I haven't been under the car but I did ask the garage to check it out when they changed the rear caliper so presume they will have checked the underside.

I've just got the car so can't say if its down on power etc, seems like its near the turbo somewhere. I've plugged my code reader in and nothing showing so seems like a slight crack somewhere. I'll get a good torch and see if I can see any soot marks around the area and if no joy get it booked in to a local specialist who will hopefully be familiar with these cars.

 

[pelhamsdetailing]

Garage could smoke test it for you to pin point the leak, and they don't typically charge much for it.

 

[the_ace1982]

Thanks for replies folks, I gave up looking as couldn't see anything from engine bay and its booked into Hunters in linlithgow on wednesday to get looked over so will update with their findings when I hear back from them

 

[the_ace1982]

Garage suspect exhaust gaskets so its going back in on the 19th for them to be replaced, fingers crossed that sorts it

 

[the_ace1982]

Exhaust gaskets replaced and smell persists, had a bad experience with Hunters of Linlithgow customer service was awful and problem unresolved after £360 spent so its off to DH Automotive in Falkirk as its now sprung an ABS light that won't go out. Will update with their findings.

 

[RS5 JON]

No doubt Dave will get you sorted.

JG

 

[the_ace1982]

Well DH Automotive found a laundry list of issues thats Hunters of Linlithgow missed! Car is all sorted now and I shall be back to DH for any issues in future highly recommended!

 

[pelhamsdetailing]

Glad to hear it mate

 

[the_ace1982]

Finally solved the smell in the cabin, the exhaust tips were missing! Ordered a set off amazon and fitted them smell gone, I guess they should have been there all along!