Exhaust Fumes

I'm just pondering a problem and want some imput.

On my 64 Econoline, the doghouse was sealed to the floor, all the holes were filled, or caulked before putting the nuts and bolts in. I've installed new weather stripping, on the top of the base and on the bottom side of the top cover. The latch pulls the cover down so that it squeezes the rubber together nicely. The exhaust system is tight and has no leaks.

If I drive with the windows closed, or even with the front vent open, I have no noticable exhaust fumes. However if I open a window or the roof vent the cab smells of exhaust. Before I installed the latch on the doghouse I know that at any speed over about 35 the cover tries to come open. That means there is alot of air and pressure trapped in the dog house when it's closed and the van is traveling at highway speeds. If I open a window it forms a vacuum and lets the free exhaust into the cab thru any tiny cracks or opennings in the doghouse.

I'm thinking about trying to rig up a smoker (like bee keepers use) put it under the van, and put a fan in the cab window pulling air out of the van and see if I can locate any air leaks that way. Any suggestions?

Any of you early Ford guys running your Econo's without the air handler between the grill and doghouse? I feel like removing that panel would force less air into the dog house, thus not pressurizing it so the exhaust fumes aren't pushed into the cab. Would the stock fan move enough air thru the radiator to keep it cool?

How are you guys dealing with exhaust fumes?

Thanks in advance

Rob
The Porta Party Van
Waynesboro GA USA

Hey Rob...

I just got a 64 this year too, and I fear that removing the belly pan would contribute to overheating. It's possible that the exhaust pipe gasket isn't doing it's job, or there's too much slack in the exhaust hangars. In working on my engine this summer, I seem to recall that as pressure built up with RPMs, I would see exhaust fumes escaping from the manifold... I made sure I torqued down the manifold bolts, but never really checked the bolts and the collector...

I would see how bad it is in neutral... see if changes in RPM cause leaks to show... this would be worse with the engine under load. Maybe a new muffler is in order to reduce backpressure?

If you're running an electric fan with thermal switch, do you notice a difference when the fan is off?

Hope this helps... sounds like you've buttoned up the doghouse pretty good already, and I doubt the belly pan is the answer. If you're not talking about the belly pan, maybe you're talking about something that has been stripped from my van before I got it.... and I have no clue what I'm talking about... day I've had makes it a definite possibility! Good luck.

the exhaust system is brand new from and including the manifold, exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe. No leaks. The fumes are blow-by, but do not enter the interior of the van until it is traveling at some speed and with the window open. It is the belly pan I'm thinking about trying removal of. With cooler weather approaching it shouldn't be a problem for a few months. The van doesn't over heat even in 100 degree weather when its puttering around town, I just don't know if the stock fan will move enough air at highway speeds.

the exhaust system exits straight out the back, near the tag, runs next to the fuel tank.

There is minimal blowby, the valve seals dried up while the van was sitting for years, but I can go 3000 miles and may have to add a quart of oil, so there isn't alot of smoke or oil burn.

You've given me another idea though, I do need to check the seals on the back doors, I do get water in when I wash it, not so much in the rain, but I will re-seal the back doors.

Anyother ideas out there?

Thanks Guys!

Tape some plastic up to cover entire inside rear door area. Maybe that will eliminate the fumes some and your problem could be the rear door seals need replaced. Every early van I've owned has had some fumes enter from the rear doors.