[Diyengineer]

Finally swapped the fuel purge solenoid and check engine light finally off!

My next problem is to figure out this noise, and why my exhaust smells like it’s running rich.

[Diyengineer]

Exterior shot, loudest on passenger side through wheel.

[Diyengineer]

Interior shot, idle, reving, and kicking AC on actually helps idle.

[Diyengineer]

So car was warmed up, everything should be burnt out of the exhaust, however it’s still smoking and smells on the rich side. I deff don’t think it’s a head gasket, no sweet smell.

[Diyengineer]

Next steps I’m going to run that moly full fuel system cleaner, and go on a drive and throw some new gas in it as it’s been sitting for a year.

[Diyengineer]

Ok, took it for a ride and topped off with premium, actually ran decent but zero power beyond maybe 2000rpm. A lot of white smoke, ticking, and no power. I also had a 2A19 tank venting valve error return (all the hoses are connected, crack free, and new purge solenoid installed). It’s running way too rich, and thats my only code that’s appeared after 15 minutes of driving. Whats next?

[Diyengineer]

Also, so much white smoke I smell of gas. No sweet smell at all. Oddly enough I had a yellow brake light appear when I parked, and a yellow caution symbol with counter clockwise arrow. Didn’t throw a code that I could see however?

[Diyengineer]

Hello! Idle is better. Probably needs an oil change for sure and will do that. Interior still smells horrible. The clicking I hear HAS to be an exhaust leak. The noise is from header side and I smell basically raw exhaust which is getting in cabin. I bought a fogger that I’m going to use to find the leak. I’m wondering if my cat or exhaust is plugged and it blew out a gasket. Previously it blew out my secondary air valve twice! So pressure is a problem. I installed the block plate and gasket which still is in place and not leaking. The clicking only appeared after I installed this which build up of pressure might have taken out the weakest exhaust gasket… ideas?

[Diyengineer]

Anyone have ideas? About ready to sell the car as it just sits.

[Bims328i]

It's honestly strange. I wonder if you could use a small light or green laser pointer at dark and shine down in front of the wheel to see if there is any smoke coming out. The multi-beam array filters might work well for that. The tick doesn't sound that bad to me but perhaps you could remove your cowl assembly and put saran wrap on the intake vents to try and prevent any air from getting in there then see if it still stinks in the cabin.

We should try to consider a few variables like how could fumes get past firewall. Is some hose improperly routed? It could be a number of things for sure. The hunt continues.

Just some thoughts. Also was the motor replaced in your car?