Exhaust fumes

[Daniel]

Well guys, for years I have been fighting the exhaust fumes in car especially when letting off the gas.I went to the mountains and the rumbling down the hill about killed me.It became a mission to resolve the problem.I knew my rear hatch gasket was the normal place to go.But,I had repalced that only 4or 5 years ago and the car stays in a garage.It was like new.I reglued suspect areas.Siliconed the hose grommets,tail light gaskets,floor drains,everything.Well the other day I found the fix.There are 2 screws behind the latch catch on the car .They hold the tag light .Removing those will allow access to the catch adjustment screws.They are behind the tag light,you can see them without removing anything.With the screws and tag light assembly out of the way close the hatch.loosen the screws and press down on the hatch.This will position the catch the tightest location.Tighten the screws.I don't know if my gasket shrunk or the adjustment just moved to start the fumes,but that sure fixed it!!!Note,since the push down places the catch at the top of the latch you can move the catch down a fraction before tightening.I hope this helps alot of people. Have Fun!! Daniel

[guy_geo]

Daniel, do you think that the presence of a small spoiler installed at the lower portion of the hatch (in the back) can cure this problem also???

[jcdozier]

I can't prove it one way or another, but a rear-deck spoiler will disrupt the "normal" airflow and probably wouldn't hurt. One thing in your favor with the 72 is that the vents aren't on the hatch (Nissan didn't move them just for looks). However, I don;t thing a spoiler alone will eliminate a fume problem.

One thing many folks forget is that the fuel tank vent hoses are in the car with you, (remove the back panel and the side panel by the fuel filler and take a look). Fumes from a leaky hose don't have to be pulled into the car - they are already inside.

I don't have fume problems with my 71 Type-1, despite having the vents in the hatch. However, I have good vent hoses, a good hatch seal and a tight hatch (have to slam it down to latch), and a BRE-type spoiler.

[Daniel]

Want me to think on Monday morning huh?I'll try.If the speed of the car was enough to allow the spoiler to press the hatch down.Then yes.The fumes though seem to act like the water at the rear of a motor boat.Move forward and you're fine slow down a little and the wake catches up with the rear.Slowing down apparently causes a pressure differencial and the car sucks the exhaust in.My car is white and I could see exhaust caused discoloration up the entire left side of the hatch.So my though is the spoiler could maybe help at some unknown speed but,I wouldn't call it a fix.Maybe a small band-aid if anything.The correct fix is easier than a spoiler install and cheaper! HaveFun!! Daniel P.S. JC, The fumes are spent gas not raw fuel.