Maxie40

When I start my SE up on a cold morning, I notice I see some exhaust smoke coming by the driver side door in the area where the catalytic convertor is. I also smell a strong fuel/oil smell when I turn on the air. Both dissipate when the car is warmed up. Currently I have a check engine light caused by my EGR valve needing to be cleaned. Car accelerates and runs fine but with my check engine light on and those problems on a cold morning, my Maxima needs some work. Based on what I described is the cat going? Never replaced the exhaust system. I recently replaced my MAF and my intake manifold gasket. Could doing this work cause some other issues? Have been the only owner for a now 20+ year car.

TurboA32

iTrader: (36)

You most likely have a hole in the exhaust

uttadms31

On these cold mornings look down underneath to see where the exhaust is leaking. I've had leaks at my flex pipe and resonator that I've ignored for a few years and haven't gotten much worse. Only can really hear it above 2.5k RPM / or on the highway, but with music on it's not that noticeable. I wonder if it will affect engine power at all?, but for now I don't plan on fixing it as the hangers are holding up things fine.

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Classic y-pipe flex pipe hole? Replace it with a warpspeed y-pipe $200, magnaflow hi-flo cat $50-$100, stock or performance catbacks are also available.

uttadms31

I assume leaks downstream in the resonator are not as big a deal, but as for the flex pipe, besides the noise and state inspection issues, will the hole cause any engine/power or fuel economy issues?

max ride 41

iTrader: (4)

just replaced my y-pipe, and the whole cattback as last winter rusted it to death. if you have an exhaist leak it can rob you of power and your gas mileage will suffer.

mikeg75

I had the smell of fuel until I replaced a small section of fuel hose right before the fuel pressure regulator. Those little fuel line sections get dried out after 20 years or so.

I actually witnessed dripping fuel on a very cold start, which is what prompted my changing those lines. My mechanic never smelled it because it only happened outside, on very cold starts. Inside his garage, I presume the lines were warm and more supple, rather than brittle and freeze dried/corroded.

Good luck.