Hi guys,

Bit of advice needed. I have a Citroen Xsara X reg. At the end of June I have the front pipe replaced on the exhaust system, that connects the engine to the cat. This was done in a very large chain garage as I couldn't get into my usual mechanic. The first pipe that was fitted was faulty due to a very loud noise of gringing metal when going up hill or turning tight bends, after taking the car back to the garage they replaced the pipe no problem at all.

After a few days I noticed a very strong smell coming through the air vents if I had the blowers on hot. I was also noticing the car was sometimes reving a little low when idle but not enough that I was overly worried about it. So as my MOT was due I asked my usual mechanic to check out the problem and mentioned that I had recently had the exhaust done and thought it may be this.

He has looked at the problem and found no other issues. He pointed out you could smell the odour if you stood under the car with it up on a ramp and you stood near the front of the car. He thought it most likely to be the exhaust.

I have returned to the big chain garage and mentioned the problem, they had a look, said that the exhaust wasnt leaking so couldnt be the exhaust, and as I had some oil on the engine I must have a leak and it is probably that.

So back to my usual garage and he checked for a oil leak and didnt find one, so had the engine bay cleaned for me and replaced the pollen filter to be sure that wasn't a factor.

Returned to the big chain garage, they said they would check for the smell again and they couldnt smell it. (and neither could I) The next day the smell has returned. They keep saying that the front pipe wouldnt cause this problem but everything seems to point to it.

Does anyone have any ideas / advice on how I can proceed ???

Thanks in advance