First sign of a failed cat?
#1
02-27-2014, 12:30 AM
First sign of a failed cat?
Alright. So a couple of times during the last week I've detected the smell of rotten eggs while driving my truck. Faint, intermittent, but definitely there. The first time I thought it was just outside air. Now I'm thinking it's the truck and I know the rotten egg smell is a classic sign of a failed cat.
However, I have no CEL and plenty of power, and those are also classic symptoms.
So here's my question: what do we usually see first? A CEL and code for downstream O2 sensor? A loss of power? Or stinky exhaust?
I know most of the exhaust needs replaced, as I can see at least three visible leaks on a cold morning. I'm just trying to determine if this is a "wait till summer and more cash" problem or a "fix it yesterday before the truck explodes" problem.
Edited: I also replaced the plenum pan and timing chain in January, and new O2 sensors at the same time. Truck runs like a champ; better than it ever has before.
However, I have no CEL and plenty of power, and those are also classic symptoms.
So here's my question: what do we usually see first? A CEL and code for downstream O2 sensor? A loss of power? Or stinky exhaust?
I know most of the exhaust needs replaced, as I can see at least three visible leaks on a cold morning. I'm just trying to determine if this is a "wait till summer and more cash" problem or a "fix it yesterday before the truck explodes" problem.
Edited: I also replaced the plenum pan and timing chain in January, and new O2 sensors at the same time. Truck runs like a champ; better than it ever has before.
Last edited by Twmays; 02-27-2014 at 12:37 AM.
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02-27-2014, 08:36 AM
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02-27-2014, 09:59 AM
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02-27-2014, 10:56 AM
Why does my car smell like rotten eggs?
March 28, 2013
One of the most common things that cause a car to smell like rotten eggs that is the catalytic converter. Many people will tell you that you have a bad converter, but it is actually a symptom of another problem. By acting quickly, finding and repairing the problem causing the smell from your converter, you should be able to save it.
Your car’s catalytic converter is supposed to take in pollutants from the engine’s exhaust and convert them into clean air. Today’s engines are said to produce less than 2% pollutants, so unless there is a problem, the converter should have a very boring job. And, with a healthy well-tuned engine, the converter should last the life of the car.
However, defective engine controls could cause the catalytic converter to be flooded with fuel, which contains sulfur, hence the rotten egg smell. If not repaired, the heat generated by the chemical reaction from the increased amount of sulfur passing through the converter will cause the honeycomb shaped filter to melt. Once melted, it will be an obstruction in your exhaust system causing poor engine performance, sluggishness and stalling.
Just replacing the catalytic converter at this point is only a temporary solution. The cause of the fuel flooding the converter needs to be found and addressed before a new converter is installed, so it will not happen again.
Some things associated with flooding a converter with fuel are: a defective oxygen sensor, a leaking fuel injector, and a defective pressure regulator. Even bad coolant sensors have been known to trick the ECM into sending too much fuel.
So, if you get that rotten egg smell and you’re sure it’s not something as simple as a shorted battery, start by having your ECM scanned for codes.
One of the most common things that cause a car to smell like rotten eggs that is the catalytic converter. Many people will tell you that you have a bad converter, but it is actually a symptom of another problem. By acting quickly, finding and repairing the problem causing the smell from your converter, you should be able to save it.
Your car’s catalytic converter is supposed to take in pollutants from the engine’s exhaust and convert them into clean air. Today’s engines are said to produce less than 2% pollutants, so unless there is a problem, the converter should have a very boring job. And, with a healthy well-tuned engine, the converter should last the life of the car.
However, defective engine controls could cause the catalytic converter to be flooded with fuel, which contains sulfur, hence the rotten egg smell. If not repaired, the heat generated by the chemical reaction from the increased amount of sulfur passing through the converter will cause the honeycomb shaped filter to melt. Once melted, it will be an obstruction in your exhaust system causing poor engine performance, sluggishness and stalling.
Just replacing the catalytic converter at this point is only a temporary solution. The cause of the fuel flooding the converter needs to be found and addressed before a new converter is installed, so it will not happen again.
Some things associated with flooding a converter with fuel are: a defective oxygen sensor, a leaking fuel injector, and a defective pressure regulator. Even bad coolant sensors have been known to trick the ECM into sending too much fuel.
So, if you get that rotten egg smell and you’re sure it’s not something as simple as a shorted battery, start by having your ECM scanned for codes.