My 84 turbo smells slightly of gas fumes inside the car when under medium boost (in the yellow on the in-dash gauge.) I've got some sort of put-put-put exhaust leak around the exhaust manifold that I need to look into and I assume that's where the fumes are coming from. Does this seem normal or do you think it indicates some other type of issue?
Thanks,
Corey
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1966 122s + 1984 245ti = much to learn!

Raw fuel smells distinctly different from exhaust. If this smell is worse under boost, I would suspect the hose leading to the boost gauge. It's a direct connection from the intake manifold and would have that raw gas smell. An exhaust leak would smell at cruise as well as under boost.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

Interesting thought but...

The part that bothers me is, in that tiny hose and gauge, the slightest leak there would all but disable the gauge reading. No mention of that.

On the other hand, a pressure leak under the hood, as in a deteriorated turbo outlet hose, could pump out enough vapor to stink inside the car without substantially reducing what is seen by the gauge or bov.

how would the gas get all the way from the injectors to the turbo against the wind?

That would be a feat. Manifold gasket? Fuel plumbing/frequency valve?

Corey,

As long as there are no visible fuel leaks, I would address the exhaust issue and go from there. It may or may not be your problem, but it's a starting point. Most likely, your manifold gaskets are the source of your exhaust noise. If replaced, I would recommend using the original Volvo gaskets (only about $20 from the dealer for all 4). The original gaskets are multi-layer metal (similar to a head gasket, but obviously not as heavy-duty), as most aftermarket gaskets are paper material. The original equipment set will last a very long time, as the aftermarket may blow out repeatedly. It is a fairly easy job, as long as none of the exhaust manifold studs break off inside the cylinder head. I did the gaskets on my 240 Turbo in an afternoon, with no broken studs (the turbo had been off before). When I replaced these gaskets on my 760 Turbo, I had a few broken studs, and had to remove the entire cylinder head to have them drilled (not much room on the car). Anyway, I would fix that first, then see where you are at with the fuel smell.

I hope this helps...

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

1988 760 Turbo w/275k miles, 1981 242 Turbo w/243k miles

Thanks Joe. That broken stud possibility has got me a little gun shy. I guess I should start soaking with PB Blaster. Maybe I'll just take it to the pros... Thanks
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1966 122s + 1984 245ti = much to learn!

Corey,

On an '84 240, the turbocharger has likely been replaced several times (at least mine was; first replacement record was at 40k miles). Therefore, the nuts may not be as seized as you may think. The broken studs on my 760 were due to the fact that the turbo had NEVER been off of the car (at 275k miles, the watercooled turbo is original and still runs like new). The older air-cooled turbos had a much shorter lifespan, especially if the previous owner(s) didn't take good care of the car (hence my suspicion that it has been off before). Anyway, I guess I am trying to say this: I would start soaking with PB Blaster (as you had said) and reconsider. The chances of a pro not breaking any of the studs is no better than the chance of you doing so. If they are going to break, they will do it for you or do it for the garage you take it to (and they will then charge you extra to have it repaired). It's up to you, but I would give it a try. If all goes well with the studs, it's an enjoyable job and nothing to worry about.

Good Luck, and let me know if you need anything else.

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

1988 760 Turbo w/275k miles, 1981 242 Turbo w/243k miles

Thanks for the confidence boost, Joe. I have extensive records from the previous owner, who was also the original owner. There's no record of turbo replacement, however it was at some point upgraded to water-cooled--not sure when. I'll give it a shot and see what happens! Thanks, Corey
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1966 122s + 1984 245ti = much to learn!