Exhaust fumes in Hornet

Unknown

<font color="red"> </font> Are there any peculiarities in step-down Hudsons that would create exhaust fumes in the car? I've had an all new Midas exhaust system installed, and the engine has been completely overhauled but to no avail. Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Unknown

Tom, make sure the trunk weather seal is in good shape and the trunk is closing tightly. I had a old Dodge once that had the same problem and it was an ill fitting trunk lid.

Unknown

As Dave said check that deck lid fit. Hauled a piece across TN. once in a 51 sedan. Lid lacked about 3 in. closeing. Fumes were very bad.

Unknown

Tom, we are considering several things to do on my car
presently under restoration. Remove the exh man damper and
weld the shaft holes shut. Configure a PCV system
utilizing the crancase breather pipe (1 1/4" ID) leading w/PCV
valve into the vaccum line between the carbs (assuming
you have Twin H-Power). Then you must rig a fresh/ram
air inlet on the pas side leading to a exchangeable, in-line
air filter that then connects in sequence to the oil filler tube
such that you then would have a "sealed" system that
only "filtered air" enters. This should make the rings last longer
and oil changes less frequent; in addition to the elimination
of the eng compartment fumes, also the fuel economy should
improve. Let me know how it works for you, as I am currently
searching for the parts needed at A-Z and NAPA, etc.

John Williams
jgw2@bellsouth.net

Unknown

In order to seal the system wouldn't you need to replace the oil breather cap? What type of oil cap are you planning on using? There was a PVC system in the WTN Classifieds a couple of months back that you may want to consider. I think it was the March-April 2004 Edition.

Unknown

I am a new member and have not rec'd any newsletters as yet;
interesting article, I'd bet..
However, the oil breather cap must be eliminated and replaced
with some type of fresh air ventilation sys including an in-line,
air filter that can be changed periodically (preferably not a
ram air duct, of course) as the air that filters through will
have dust particles and foreign matter that must be trapped
and prevented from entering the crankcase. I haven't worked
out all the details at this time, but I plan to effect it in time.
As the other poster's said I'd eliminate the exhaust fumes' entry
into the car via the trunk first; perhaps a turn-down exhaust tip
might help, in addition to the new deck lid seal. Also, be sure
that there is no holes around gas tank filler tube, and make
sure the plugs are in the spare tire well. i.e., seal everything
in the trunk area that exhaust fumes might enter One other
thing to consider is to pull the rear seat out and put a thick
sheet of plastic (taping it down completely around all the
boundaries between the pas compartment and the trunk) so
as to create a total barrier between the pas and trunk
compartments. Also, will help on energy efficiency during the
extreme hot- and cold-weather days. Good luck!

Unknown

Tom, I think this may work; went to Auto Zone and it
was simpler that I thought. Keep in mind that the eng
is at my mechanic's house 150 miles away. This is the
tentative plan that may need slight modifications.

Take crankcase breather first: cut it off perpendicular, tube
and mount outlet ^ UP^. Insert the grommet (Deutsch PCV208);
insert the PCV (Help 42051); drill and tap the vaccuum line
for A-Z brass fuel fitting (323313); screw in the fitting;
connect appropriate tubing (3/8" ID rubber or ?????).
from PCV outlet tube to the fitting's inlet.

Oil Breather/filler tube: insert grommet (Help 42306);
insert 1990 Cadillac breather filter (Deutsch BF402),
turning opening towards the radiator in case you want
to go 153 mph (supercharge; just kidding).

Cost ~ $15.oo

This configuration will allow for the PCV valve to work
properly, and thereby eliminates the eng compartment
fumes for the most part as the system is now "closed".
All air that enters the crankcase is filtered; it would be a
good idea to change the filter when you see it getting
dirty. The white filter is readily visible thru the air
entrance hole. If you or anyone else get's it
working before I do, pls email me and let me know
how it works, including any necessary changes.

John => jgw2@bellsouth.net

Unknown

This problem brings back memories. In 1973 I had an AMC Gremlin and remember that the owner's manual specifically stated that leaving the hatch open may cause exhaust fumes to enter the car through the hatch. Therefore I agree that the trunk seal and/or deck lid is what is letting the fumes in. Is the problem as noticable when you are driving as it is when you are siting at an idle? As to the PVC set-up; to each his own, but to me this seems like a whole lot of work for small rewards (if any) to control some-blow by that may not even be a problem.

Unknown

If any one knows the following, please e-mail me with
these dimensions, as my engine is at my mechanic's house,
150 miles away. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need the oil filler tube inside dia in inches. _________ "

I need the vaccuum tube (intake manifold) outside dia in inches. ________ "

please email John => jgw2@bellsouth.net

Unknown

Hi: All the suggestions you have recieved appear to be reasonable and potentially contain the answer to your problem. I wanted to chime in and provide you with some experiences with Stepdowns that were prone to haveing exhaust leaking into the passenger compartment.

1.If your Hudson has rusty parts that allow fumes to enter the passenger compartment they must be repaired.

2. Hudson has knock out plugs in the floors and else where that are prone to lossening and allowing fumes and liquid penetration of the passenger compartment. A look from below while the car is on the lift will show disturbed plugs.

3. Installation of the exhaust system could have included the potential of burning a hole or two into the floorboards.

4. The gas tank in all stepdowns has a fill tube that is sealed with rubber seal. If this seal is disturbed exhaust fumes are guarenteed to enter the passenger compartment.

5. At the front of the car are parts called toe board risers. These parts are full of knockouts and rubber seals. If these are disturbed the smells will enter.

6. The pedals for brake and clutch and gass are all sealed with rubber seals if these fail the cabin will have the smell of fumes.

7.Last but not least... brake mastercylinder and Hydramatic fill plates must be sealed to assure fumes stay outside the cabin of your Hudson.

Good Luck chasing and sealing your leak.

Ken Cates
Aka Heart O Texas
sanjuana@aol.com