Volvo Repair: exhaust, volvo station wagon, catalyic converter

Question
Hi,
I own a 1988 volvo station wagon 740 turbo, and well, the car overheated.  The lower radiator hose cracked, but after that was fixed, there's a strong smell of exhaust.  from the engine to around the catalyic converter.  But there are no holes or visible cracks.  Could it be the catalyic converter or what.  The (I think) intake hose in the engine is split and everyone is saying that has nothing to do with the smell.  Are they right or not?
Thank you

Answer
Hello Michele,  There is a good chance that what you are smelling is the coolant that sprayed on the exhaust.Since the lower hose is on the same side,it caught the brunt of the splash.It is a very distinct odor,with the exhaust cool, spray water on the lower part of the front pipe,it will help dilute the residue.As for the intake hose,any type of split or leak will make the engine run poorly.From what you discribe 'they' are right.Thank you and good hunting!  PKD