Exhaust/rubber smell after oil cooler seals job?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Exhaust/rubber smell after oil cooler seals job?
Hey everyone,
2013 ML350 Bluetec. 341 000km. My oil cooler seals were slowly leaking for the past 4 years so I finally had the courage to tackle the job. Everything went well and no leaks. Everything is rock solid. I cleaned everything very carefully like all of the carbon off the intake manifolds (I was expecting more carbon buildup, I guess highway miles and 10k km oil change intervals (6-7k miles) make a huge difference!), changed the EGR valve, cleaned the turbo, cleaned the swirl flaps (they seemed in good condition). I used a kit from Rein that has a very good reputation and reviews. However, I used OEM oil cooler seals directly from the Mercedes dealership.
The only thing I'm noticing now is a slight exahust/rubber smell in the cabin when I'm driving. I also notice it when I park the suv in my garage. The smell definitely wasn't as strong before doing the job. I'm thinking maybe the numerous new gaskets have a beak in period? I did the job last week and the smell seems a little better now, but it's still noticeable.
Is this normal after doing the oil cooler seals job? Thanks for the help.
2013 ML350 Bluetec. 341 000km. My oil cooler seals were slowly leaking for the past 4 years so I finally had the courage to tackle the job. Everything went well and no leaks. Everything is rock solid. I cleaned everything very carefully like all of the carbon off the intake manifolds (I was expecting more carbon buildup, I guess highway miles and 10k km oil change intervals (6-7k miles) make a huge difference!), changed the EGR valve, cleaned the turbo, cleaned the swirl flaps (they seemed in good condition). I used a kit from Rein that has a very good reputation and reviews. However, I used OEM oil cooler seals directly from the Mercedes dealership.
The only thing I'm noticing now is a slight exahust/rubber smell in the cabin when I'm driving. I also notice it when I park the suv in my garage. The smell definitely wasn't as strong before doing the job. I'm thinking maybe the numerous new gaskets have a beak in period? I did the job last week and the smell seems a little better now, but it's still noticeable.
Is this normal after doing the oil cooler seals job? Thanks for the help.
Last edited by Potrice; Apr 11, 2025 at 10:27 AM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 228
Likes: 41
2005 E320, 2008 E320 Bluetec
Could just be some of the residual cleaners burning off. Other thing that comes to mind if you're smelling exhaust are the flex parts of the manifolds going into the turbo. I wonder if those might have cracked? Just a guess, but if it's that you should see a dark spot on them after a while where the leak is. If the smell continues going away, I'd guess it was just cleaner burning off.
Btw, I'm about to be doing a similar job, what'd you use to clean the carbon out of your intake manifolds? I''ve got some oven cleaner and aluminum cleaner, but I'm open to suggestions if there's a better option. Thanks!
Btw, I'm about to be doing a similar job, what'd you use to clean the carbon out of your intake manifolds? I''ve got some oven cleaner and aluminum cleaner, but I'm open to suggestions if there's a better option. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Could just be some of the residual cleaners burning off. Other thing that comes to mind if you're smelling exhaust are the flex parts of the manifolds going into the turbo. I wonder if those might have cracked? Just a guess, but if it's that you should see a dark spot on them after a while where the leak is. If the smell continues going away, I'd guess it was just cleaner burning off.
Btw, I'm about to be doing a similar job, what'd you use to clean the carbon out of your intake manifolds? I''ve got some oven cleaner and aluminum cleaner, but I'm open to suggestions if there's a better option. Thanks!
Btw, I'm about to be doing a similar job, what'd you use to clean the carbon out of your intake manifolds? I''ve got some oven cleaner and aluminum cleaner, but I'm open to suggestions if there's a better option. Thanks!
