I've looked everywhere but can't seem to find a replacement part for the cowl seal. Apparently they don't make them anymore. Engine smell has been coming in and I'm really tired of turning on the recirculating switch. Can anyone recommend a replacement?

 

There's nothing to seal. When it's not on recirc air will be coming in thru the cowl.

I would recommend repairing whatever is causing the smells.

 

This is the rubber seal that goes between the cowl and the hood when shut. It keeps the engine fumes from coming through the vents below the window. The rubber is smashed down on my car and needs to be replaced. The part has been discontinued. Don't know if there is a part from another year that will fit. So far I can't find any and I'm wondering if I need to make my own from something I buy at Autozone.

Here's a link that shows what I'm looking for:

https://www.realnissanparts.com/oem-...MtNWwtdjYtZ2Fz

 

What I read: My valve covers are leaking, but I'm not going to fix it. There shouldn't be any fumes unless you delete PCV.
And wouldn't the air be sucked up from underneath instead of blowing down into the cowl? I think you must be burning a lot of oil on the exhaust.

 

I'm not getting exhaust in the car. The engine makes fumes while it's running. Without the cowl seal the fumes come up between the cowl and the hood and are sucked into the vents under the windshield. It only smells when the car is stopped an the engine is running. Like at a red light. The valve covers are not leaking. Nothing else is leaking.
The problem is I can't find a replacement part. The piece of rubber that seals the hood and the cowl.
So the question is does anyone know where I can find the correct part? Is there another part that can be used from a different year or model. I don't think I'm the only one that could be having this problem. It's an issue on all cars. Just that other cars have the replacement parts available.
Here's an explanation of what I'm looking for: https://www.steelerubber.com/hood-to-cowl

 

We understand what you're looking for. Bottom line is if it's discontinued you're gonna have to get creative.

Neither of mine have any smells from the engine bay or exhaust. They're also not leaking anything.

 

Thanks Steve. I think I'll just get a standard seal at Autozone and cut holes to attach clips in the proper location and hope for the best.

 

You completely contradicted yourself. There are no fumes unless you have a leak.

Put some weatherstripping on top of the seal.

 

06 looks like it has a similar seal. Only 15 bucks. Worth a shot.

 

Why the attitude? Engines smell when running. That's why they put the cowl seal there in the first place. If they didn't smell then there would be no need for a seal. Open your hood with the car running and stick your face in there and tell me you don't smell something.

Thanks for the weatherstripping suggestion but I think I'll use a seal from another car and make that work.

 

Worth a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

No, they do not. JFC, think about what you're saying. An engine is sealed except for intake and exhaust.
Everything volatile in paint, plastic and rubber will evaporate off after enough run time. These cars are far from new.
The only thing exposed at all is auto tranny breather, PS fluid, and coolant overflow, but of course that's not evaporating at any rate detectable.

I can open the hood of any running car without a leak and smell...nothing.

 

If you're stinkin, you're leakin.