Community Forums

spopoff · 09-03-2010, 03:41 PM

I was wondering if anyone has a solution for diesel exhaust fumes entering the bedroom ,I checked by putting a bright halogen lamp in engine compartment at night,and looking for any light inside bedroom. didnt see any. The problem seems the worst after going down steep hill using pacbrake,I checked my exhaust for any leaks could not see any soot on any connection, any suggestions much appreciated. Sid my rv is a 89 sportscoach 35' cta 8.3 cummins

leadman · 09-05-2010, 05:22 PM

I have an old Itasca and was getting generator and main engine exhaust in the rear of the coach.
I went under the coach and started looking for any opening or gaps, cracks, etc. that might let in exhaust. I found many so I used a can of expanding foam to plug these. Also where any hoses, pipes, wires etc. go thru the body or compartment can let in fume.
My son and I also recarpeted the coach and had removed the rear bed to do under it. Found there is a metal housing for the generator that is inletted into the main floor. Where the corners were there were gaps between the original floor and the metal housing. I caulked and foamed this also.
Also check the weatherstripping on any sliding windows. Mine was worn so bought new and installed it.
Now we have no more fumes in the coach.

I also used a product designed for automotive air conditioning. It is about 2' wide and 1/8" thick, consists of cork and a tar type substance. Comes in a roll with a waxy paper between layers. Just rip off a chunk and form it around and push into holes for wires, etc. Should be available at most auto parts stores.

Hope this gives you some ideas to look for.

powderman · 09-05-2010, 08:36 PM

Because of the possibility of leaks, I highly suggest you and anyone else who will listen to buy a carbon monoxide sensor. It may well be the best $30 or $40 you will ever spend. I know this, because I was lucky enough to have had one in my home and that is why I able to pass this info along.

Sorry I can't help you with your leakage problem

leadman · 09-05-2010, 09:54 PM

Yes, especially in these older coaches the Carbon Monoxide, fire, and propane detectors need to be upgraded. I replaced all mine soon after I bought my coach.
The propane detector was mounted in the end of the cabinet over the sink, a good 5' off the floor! Propane is heavier than air so needs to be down near the floor.
I think the combo fire/co detector was just over $30 from Home Depot. Good insurance.

bigdog · 09-05-2010, 10:33 PM

I had a really musty exhaust smell in the back of my coach for several trips and thot it was the fact that I always travel with the bathroom vent open,it has a cover for weather,and I was sucking the fumes in that way. I closed it and still had the smell.It was the same smell as I had always noticed in my school bus. Well,I was under the coach draining out some tranny fluid,long story,and noticed that I had an axle seal leak on the left rear axle. Got it fixed and now the smell is gone.That may not be your problem,but you might check underneath for any kind of fluid leaks.