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I have a kerosene-like smell coming from my 2006 Toyota LandCruiser exhaust when I am idling.

Asked by Colin

I have very kerosene-like smell coming from my 2006 Toyota LandCruiser exhaust when I am idling. It’s a very strong smell and wondering what may be causing this?

Answered by CarsGuide

14 Jul 2022 David Morley

For a start, you can rule out the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as the culprit as these weren’t fitted to the LandCruiser until many years after 2006. Nevertheless, if there’s a smell of anything when the vehicle is idling, there’s either something wrong with the mixture the engine is burning or there’s a leak in the exhaust system somewhere.

Since the problem has suddenly occurred, it’s probably the latter and you need to check all the joints in the exhaust system, the system itself for rust holes or damage, and even the turbocharger plumbing which can become loose and allow a leak.

So why do you only smell it at idle? Simply that when the vehicle is moving, the movement of air around the vehicle is whisking the fumes away. When you stop, the fumes `catch up’ with the vehicle, and you can smell them. This needs to be checked out as exhaust fumes can be very dangerous to humans, up to and including carcinogenic.

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