Catless downpipe stinks!

[Zorikos]

Ok guys, I installed an ER catless downpipe and my eyes burn every time I drive the car! This is with the windows closed. I figured it would smell somewhat from the outside or If I had the windows open but this is bad.
I’ve owned other cars with no cats and it was never like this. I don’t understand how people are tolerating the smell when going this route.
I’m planning on putting back the stock converter, but was wondering if there might be something else to check that might be amplifying the condition?

[Some Asian Guy]

You sure it's not leaking? Did you replace all gaskets? I've driven many catless cars and the smell has never been an issue for me.

[Zorikos]

Originally Posted by Some Asian Guy

You sure it's not leaking? Did you replace all gaskets? I've driven many catless cars and the smell has never been an issue for me.

Leaking from where? There were no gaskets.

[Some Asian Guy]

I went to the website to see what the downpipe looks like. I didn't see one for a F15 N55, which one did you order?

EDIT: I found it on a different website and looks like it doesn't need gaskets. My bad. But it does sound to me that you have a leak.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Zorikos

Ok guys, I installed an ER catless downpipe and my eyes burn every time I drive the car! This is with the windows closed. I figured it would smell somewhat from the outside or If I had the windows open but this is bad.
I’ve owned other cars with no cats and it was never like this. I don’t understand how people are tolerating the smell when going this route.
I’m planning on putting back the stock converter, but was wondering if there might be something else to check that might be amplifying the condition?

You are having a leak somewhere.
Most likely is the installation.

Is it a brand new downpipe or used one?

[P1]

Does not sound healthy...

[Zorikos]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

You are having a leak somewhere.
Most likely is the installation.

Is it a brand new downpipe or used one?

The downpipe was brand new. I had difficulty installing it to the backside of the turbo...that v-flange was tough to access. After the installation when everything was buttoned back up I had the car idling on the lift and didn't see any leaks.

What's the best way to check for leaks?

[Zorikos]

Originally Posted by P1et

Does not sound healthy...

Yes for sure. I may be more sensitive compared to others, but with the hvac working I can smell it. With the hvac off and the windows down its fine unless the wind blows it in my direction.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Zorikos

The downpipe was brand new. I had difficulty installing it to the backside of the turbo...that v-flange was tough to access. After the installation when everything was buttoned back up I had the car idling on the lift and didn't see any leaks.

What's the best way to check for leaks?

This would be a tough one to check for leaks.
You can do visual or sniffer (not sure if you can rent from AutoZone or PepBoys).

Originally Posted by Zorikos

Yes for sure. I may be more sensitive compared to others, but with the hvac working I can smell it. With the hvac off and the windows down its fine unless the wind blows it in my direction.

Your HVAC filter is on the passenger side right above the turbo.
So, if you have leak, it will get sucked in.

My guess is your V-Band or O2 sensors didn't get installed back properly.

[mikew2069]

My guess is it just stinks.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Some Asian Guy

I went to the website to see what the downpipe looks like. I didn't see one for a F15 N55, which one did you order?

EDIT: I found it on a different website and looks like it doesn't need gaskets. My bad. But it does sound to me that you have a leak.

There is a pressed gasket that sits on the turbo.

May want to check that too.

[TOPEC]

Originally Posted by Zorikos

What's the best way to check for leaks?

soap n water spray test lol. just spray the seams/joints/connections really well and see if it bubbles, unless u have a large gap where the soapy water wont seal and blow bubbles.

im just wondering if theres some kind of coating on the pipe that is getting burned off. i remember my mazda was horrible when new. when the engine heats up and burn off the coatings (rust prevention coatings/paraffin wax?), it smelled like burning engine oil along with stinging eyes, after a few thousand KMs though it was fine.

[turboawd]

Take a bike tube and clamp onto exhaust end. Pump exhaust with air. Listen for leaks.
Or if you do a visual inspection, you may see black marks where it leaks.
But even if you have no leaks, the exhaust coming out of the pipe will smell because you don't have cats.

[AECDY]

Did you find the problem with the DP?

[spacegray_f15]

Would also be interested to see if you found a leak. I have the same issue, it smells like straight gas, I've had it on other cars before but never this bad. It also sounds a little raspy in low rpm but I smoke tested it and I couldn't find any leaks 🤷🏼*♂️

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by spacegray_f15

Would also be interested to see if you found a leak. I have the same issue, it smells like straight gas, I've had it on other cars before but never this bad. It also sounds a little raspy in low rpm but I smoke tested it and I couldn't find any leaks 🤷🏼*♂️

Really? You too?

Is your AC set to circulate or fresh air?

[AECDY]

Anyone else here has this installed that can chime in? I was getting ready to pull the trigger but now hesitant as I my kids ride in the car almost everyday.

[AECDY]

Ben, have you install this on any other local customers? How are they doing with them?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by AECDY

Ben, have you install this on any other local customers? How are they doing with them?

Had it in my F15 for 3 years and fine with it.
Installed locally and don't have issues with it.
Sold bunch of them across the US and internationally, this is the first complaint I've ever heard.

[AECDY]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Had it in my F15 for 3 years and fine with it.
Installed locally and don't have issues with it.
Sold bunch of them across the US and internationally, this is the first complaint I've ever heard.

Thanks Ben.