Smelly CQ

[Henry A Harper III]

> Has anyone ever had suspicious smells in a Coupe Quattro?  Patient is a
> late build with 140 kmi.  We've been trying to locate the cause for
> months.  Smells like smoke, but not really like oil, not anitfreeze, and
> not even exhaust smoke, to my old car nose anyway.  It's at its worst at
> idle with the climate control on heat, A/C or defrost.  I cannot find
> any noticable fluid leaks, and the exhaust appears tight.
>
> My mechanic (really good guy) found an oil leak at the back of the valve
> cover, so he steam cleaned it and repace the VC gasket, but to no avail?
> It's going to the muffler shop tomorrow for an inspection.  In the mean
> time, if anyone has a BTDT, I'm all ears!

I understand (no personal experience) that there is a transmission halfshaft
seal above an exhaust pipe (on the 200q20v) which can leak and make a nasty
smell - that smell has been described as pretty bad though. I not so
familiar with the CQ.

Henry