I have a buddy with a 1990 7.3 that has a strong exhaust smell while idling.
Not a raw fuel smell but exhaust.
It kinda lofts around the whole truck.

I know diesels smell but was wondering if this is normal or if it was a sign that the engine is running a little rich or possibly something else.

The engine starts well, runs smooth, no odd smoke.
73,000 miles on the truck.
The whole truck looks like showroom condition.
Exhaust still looks new. No rust.

Just wondering if anyone had any input on this.

Thanks, Ken

 

By no means an expert but sounds normal to me.

 

They always smell a bit. Nature of the beast. My 89 7.3 with 71000 smells as well, now my other engine i had in was terrible, it would make your eyes water. If they are tuned well, run well, and dont leave a blue trail then it is fine.

 

Some people are more sensitive to diesel exhaust than others.

I barely smell it, but can't stand the smell of gasoline engine exhaust.

 

Funny you should mention that. I just today noticed how horrible a gas engine exhaust smells, at the bus stop this morning I was sitting behind a half ton dodge, and it was awful. Diesel never bothers me, and I don't even notice it anymore.