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My car's exhaust smells like rotten eggs
4 comments. Current rating: 
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Question:
My car's exhaus smells like rotten eggs when I start it up in the morning. Why is that?Answer:
On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odoris usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell
is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or
any of its emission components.
The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle.
Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs
from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from
the exhaust system.
When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize.
As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
Replacing the catalytic converter will not eliminate sulfur smell and replacement will just extend the
period of time needed for the converter to 'age' allowing it to reduce sulfur smell to an acceptable
level.
- Switch to a different brand of fuel and drive the vehicle for at least 100 miles. Monitor the decrease or
increase in sulfur smell. - Do not add any type of 'fuel additive' as this could add sulfur to the fuel and cause/increase the odor.
- Try to avoid extended periods of short trip driving or aggressive acceleration.
- Request information from your local fuel dealers on the amounts of sulfur in their gasoline. Try to use fuel
containing the lowest amounts of sulfur. - Visit the EPA and gasoline company websites to stay informed on any changes in fuel or environmental regulations.
A website to check is:
EPA
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Comments:
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Strong sulfur smell means that you are running a rich air/fuel ratio. Sometimes this is normal especially during warmup. If your engine is warm already, this is not normal and fuel pressure or sensors should be checked.
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hi,u should try change the oxygen sensor,its only 25 dollars on ebay.u can do it ureself
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hi,u should try change the oxygen sensor,its only 25 dollars on ebay.u can do it ureself
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I just bought a car that had sat for a while. It is 97 Saturn SL1. After driving it home I noticed a foul odor resembling rotten eggs (while idling). The man just replaced the oxygen sensor the day before I bought it. Should I now assume that it is the catalytic converter?
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LaurieFrank105 from United States