Facelift Leon FR Diesel Smell

[LeonFRDave]

Hi all, this is my first post so hello to all.

I've been lurking since picking up my nearly new (59 plate) candy white Leon FR at the beginning of the month. I've been really impressed with the level of knowledge and friendliness of people here!

I've been generally pleased with the car, and love the power and torque having previously owed a 1.2 vauxhall corsa sxi!

There are a couple of issues with the car, a couple of rattles, one from the dash, and a second sounds like there's something loose moving around in the rear passenger door (i'm guessing a screw or bolt or similar)

These are fine and will ask the dealer to look at them, but went on a long drive today with my wife, and we both noticed quite a strong smell of diesel inside the car, when stuck in slow moving traffic - or when stationery with the engine running. Any ideas what this might be? Is it possible exhaust gases are coming in?

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[Wellsy]

Hi Dave, I have an 08 diesel FR and from what I've found the car does it when not properly up to temperature, and the exhaust gases are stronger smelling. Mine come through the vents, next time you're coming up to some traffic turn the climate control off and see whether the smell comes in.

Welcome to the site!

 

[LeonFRDave]

Thanks for the reply Wellsy. The smell was particularly strong this morning after scraping the ice off the windscreen and leaving the engine running. TBH I'm not convinced it's coming from the exhaust, the smell seems much strong than that. It came back later on in the journey when stuck in traffic (I was behind a relatively new petrol car so wasn't from there) the car was definately warm by then. Turning the re-circulating air function definately helped - but I guess it would. I think I'll mention it to the dealer when I take it in, but if possible would like an idea as to what it could be - if anyone has had a similar problem.

 

[SeanCorky]

My pre-FL FR done this when I first got it and my FL does it now every now and then. I put it down to almost "running in" the DPF and it goes after a while.

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[LeonFRDave]

Cheers Sean. Initially I'd put it down to the same thing - just 'running-in' smells - cars only done 8k miles and I think i was getting used to it. It was only yesterday that my wife was in the car who pointed out how strong the smell was - claimed it was giving her a headache!

 

[SeanCorky]

I can imagine the smell now, I used to worry over it but I've never had a problem. It's more noticeable when you're in traffic

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[Mudvayne]

Diesel smell maybe from leaking tandempump.

 

[LeonFRDave]

Thanks for the suggestion Mudvayne - I've no idea what a tandem pump is or what it does - would this be a serious problem - could this cause engine damage?

 

[jezyg]

Weeping injector is another common fault with bosch CR injection systems and will give a strong smell of diesel both in the cabin and around the engine bay. Needs to go to the dealer as does sound injector/fuel line related.

 

[LeonFRDave]

I've decided to get it looked at ASAP - it's booked in next Monday. Will post back the diagnosis for future reference.

Cheers.

 

[eurostyle]

It could be overspill from changing the diesel filter thats assuming they serviced it before you took delivery.

 

[LeonFRDave]

They did service it before collection (or they said they did anyway!) but I've done 1500 miles since then, would I still be smelling it now? Dunno. I've stopped worrying, hopefully whatever it is will be sorted on Monday under warranty.

 

[FR_Flavoured]

Cheers Sean. Initially I'd put it down to the same thing - just 'running-in' smells - cars only done 8k miles and I think i was getting used to it. It was only yesterday that my wife was in the car who pointed out how strong the smell was - claimed it was giving her a headache!

^ women !
Saying that, I'm sure I'm coming down with a spot of 'man flu' with all the freezing temps atm!

 

[AndrewJB]

Mine smells like a bus all the time! I havent got a DPF tho so thats half the problem and my DPF Delete pipe is leaking

 

[Nath.]

Did the OP step in spilled diesel at a filling station and then transfer it to the front carpets when he got back in the car?

I have done this before and the smell takes a while to go.

 

[LeonFRDave]

Did the OP step in spilled diesel at a filling station and then transfer it to the front carpets when he got back in the car?

I have done this before and the smell takes a while to go.

Cheers for the suggestion - I don't think this is the case - getting into the car first thing in the morning before starting the car, there's only sweeeeet new car smell

 

[LeonFRDave]

Mine smells like a bus all the time! I havent got a DPF tho so thats half the problem and my DPF Delete pipe is leaking

Lol. that would do it! Unless the dealer forgot to tell me my DPF is still intact.

 

[LeonFRDave]

Turbo Gasket

Just had a call from Chippenham Motors they've identified the problem as a turbo gasket failure. Unfortunately they have to order the replacement part in which means I get to keep the hateful Citroen C3 courtesy car they've given me over night. On the upside, I guess that could mean when I get the FR back I'll have some extra boost!

 

[LeonFRDave]

I'm happy to report the smell seems to have gone now - Woop Woop

TBH I'd read a couple of dodgy reports about Chippenham motors, but I've been quite impressed. On top of fixing the diesel smell issue, they identified a software fault with the folding mirrors and located a rogue screw rolling round inside the dash. They kept me informed - calling a couple of times a day with progress. They're very convenient for work too so will be using them again.