Will A New Cabin Air Filter Prevent Exhaust Smell When Defrost Is On?
 

I searched for this and I couldn't find an answer. I'm sick of the damned exhaust smell my 8 sucks in when I'm running my defrost. Will a cabin air filter fix, or at least help this issue?

New filter won't help.

There is a Mazda filter option called an 'aldehyde filter' which can remove outside smells from the incoming, but it's expensive.....

(Your sig picture is WAY too big at 70k+, please resize)

S

is the aldehyde filter a dealer only part or can it be found elsewhere? Will it filter the the smell enough to justify it's price?

I'll get on the sig asap

The 'aldehyde' filter is indeed a OEM-only part.....

It is apparently a fairly special thing: it catalyzes certain pollutants (alcohol-based substances like Ethanol and formaldehyde, etc.) rather than relying on openings too small to let the particles through. This allows for much greater airflow thorough the filter.

It seems to sell for around $45 US at Rosenthal Mazda. (Mid-$50's on ebay, LOL.).

However, there is a DIY on making your own cabin air filter. You could use a HEPA filter, or whatever - note that airflow may well be restricted. YMMV. http: /www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=40815


IMHO, at only $15 more than a regular OEM filter, go with the aldehyde.

Whatever you do, change your filter every year.

Fiberglass taped and heat-proof painted my midpipe, and it stinks when the car is stopped at a light.

Installed aldehyde filter set (comes in two halves).

Midpipe stench must not be an 'aldehyde', I'm guessing.....

S

S.

Probably one of those annoying Esters. (I had a girlfriend once with a little sister named Esther - she was impossible to get rid of ;) )

An ozone generator would probably get rid of the smell, but the downside is it may kill you....

If it is the pipe wrap, or paint, it should get better - in its own time.



ps. I'm NOT an organic chemist, but I did drive past a Holiday inn today....

I installed an aldehyde filter, it doesn't prevent the smell of engine fumes. I used to be really paranoid about it too, but it's really not going to kill you.... unless maybe you're just sitting there idling for like an hour for some reason. You'll get used to it eventually. I barely give it a second thought anymore.

^LOL

So the smell is basically here to stay?

Is it normal to have exhaust fumes pulled through the air system when at idle? I guess that should have been my first question. It doesn't happen when the recirc is on, but it's IMMEDIATE when it's off. In my previous car I only noticed this where I had an exhaust leak at the rear exhaust mani, but there are no signs of a leak according to my ears.

its normal if you have a catless midpipe.

if you have the stock exhaust, something is wrong.

its really bad if you have a leak...with catless the smell tends to "sneek up"

it's not a catless smell, it's the same smell that comes from the tailpipes. It smells just like normal, everyday exhaust

you can use the DIY and make your own. use a carbon filter like is used with an air purifiers. like at home depot or lowes or sears. carbon is the only thing that will take out the smell. i have asthma and need this. the filter from mazda didnt work very well.

my stock exhaust didnt smell, maybe you should have your car looked at?

Yeah, it was only smelly after I went catless. If it is stinking the same as with the cat, then your cat mustve been dead or something.

It's not normal. I don't get a smell in mine.

You can have a toxic exhaust leak without any noise. I've had that happen on a couple of cars in the past. Muffler shop always found the leak. I recommend you have someone look at it.

Ken

I just got my 05 and I don't smell nothing in every dial. Must say my cold is when on the hott setting and hott on the cold setting. Except when the moon is half way between a waining and waxing gibbus...... It's annoying, but smelling exhaust can't be good you sir have an exhaust leak or you're smelling burning coolant.

I totally agree with you. It's included in my regular maintenance list. I won't compromise my ride's performance with a busted air filter.