My car has been making me feel awful everytime i drive it. not exhaust or heater core.could it be evap system?

(2011-03-15 14:20:14)

1. amber Says: its an 88 cadillac deville.

2. My two cents Says: Odd with the occasional burning smell. Generaly a buring smell would be an Oil Leak with the oil being burnt. This is a much more likely scenario on an 88 Cadi then an EVAP problem giving you these symptoms.

Evap works at a VERY low pressure and routes the fumes from the gas tank into a charcoal canister (its located under your Coolant Recovery tank). Stores them there until the engine is running and then the engine sucks them (the fumes) out of the charcoal to be burned. So since this is happening after you have been driving a while I would probably rule that out as the problem.

Still thinking Exhaust leak because CO (Carbon Monoxide) causes drowsey / headache situations because it takes the place of the CO in your bloodstream...thus why homes now have CO detectors required along with Smoke detectors. CO you can not smell so it is called the Oderless Killer.

Take your car to a shop that can do an Emissions test on it. Have them look for exessive CO output and they should also be able to do a LOW PRESSURE FUEL EVAPORATIVE test (using smoke for a Diagnostic veiw) This presurizes your Fuel Tank & EVAP system with 1/2psi of nitrogen looking for a leak in the system.

Is your Engine dirty. If so have it cleaned professionaly to get all the grease/oil off of it that could be causing the burining smell.

Do you have new seats, vinyl, foam rubber... all those outgas some pretty noxious stuff that can give you headaches.... Do you drive with only one window open ? On the old station wagons they would suck in the exhaust fumes through the back window if you didn't have a front window open. Holes in the Trunk near the end of the Exhaust ??
**** Other thoughts****
PCV valve not properly inserted (or not working?)
Pipe with exhaust gasses (from the Exhaust Manifold to the EGR Valve) with a crack/hole in it?
EGR valve broken and leaking Exhaust gasses. ?

3. Onnied Says: if your heater or ac is set for out side air it could be the car in front of you,switch it to recycle air,owners manual will show you how ,then spray some disinfectant down at floor on passengers side at return vent in case there is mildew in the AC. compartment form standing water off of evaporater core which is normal for some cars hope this helps