Chevrolet Repair: chev venture 2000 exhaust smell from vent, fuel leaks, chevy venture

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a chevy venture 2000 7seater, air conditioning.  Recently an exhaust smell and sometimes a gas smell seems to be coming from the air vents.  What is it actually and how can I stop the smell from the vents?  The air filter seems fine.  When the smell first started I thought it was the filter so I changed it.  Doesn't look like that's it.

It's been getting worse lately.  It seems intermittent.  Please advise.

ANSWER: well russell, thats a tough question to answer without looking at the vehicle. i would look for obvious signs of fuel leaks at the engine, check for an exhaust leak near the engine (near the fresh air intake) like a broken manifold bolt or something (you might hear it)or if you noticed a change in engine power or fuel economy also look for a restricted exhaust like a fouled cat. converter. hope this is some help.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  I'm wondering.  The smell seems worse since I had the van sprayed (anti-rust)could it be that some of the spray (oil I guess) got into the "fresh air intake" section.  Perhaps I'm confusing an exhaust smell with an oily smell.  Btw where is the fresh air intake section?
If it is that how do I 'clean' it?

my best,

Russell

Answer
Thats a very good possibility russell. They may have gotten some spray on the exhaust and you are smelling it burn off as you drive. If thats what it is the smell will go away after some more driving. The air inlet on most vehicles is in the plenum area under the passenger side wiper(bottom of windshield). to access it you will have to remove both wiper arms and a few screws holding the plastic cover on. as far as cleaning the vent out, there are various after-market sprays and chemicals available at most parts stores. gm has their own stuff to rid the system of mould, GM P/N 12370470. i suggest using that. Good luck to ya, once again, hope this helps.