Smell after hard acceleration

[KenSilver]

I don't do this too often, but when I'm in front at the lights on a section of road which goes straight to a 100/kmh area, and the engine is warmed, I like to put my foot down hard and fast. Takes 20 years off my physical appearance immediately

However, the last couple of times I have got a sulphur smell which stays around for 5 minutes or so. Maybe sulphur is not the right description, but more a stale odour.

Anyone know what it is? Catalytic convertor failure? (Do I have one even?)

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

[LeaUK]

Hi Ken

Sulphur/"rotton eggs" would indicate the catalytic reaction taking place, however usually this is most noticeable when the CAT is cold.

I would expect your car to have one being a 93 - it's generally a very flat 'center box' (although some elder types are quite cylinder) and with a little crawling under the car you should also spot the two sensors just before the two manifold ports concatenate. These are your O2 sensors. If you can't see them you don't have a CAT. ALL cars with CATs MUST have O2 sensors.

Interesting that mine hasn't though, being a '92, but hey - it's way cheaper in the long run! Typical dealer costs for these is around 800UKP each....yes...some cars are fitted with two!!

The typical exhaust configurations are shown on alldatadiy

Lea

[KenSilver]

Originally Posted by Learoy

Hi Ken

Sulphur/"rotton eggs" would indicate the catalytic reaction taking place, however usually this is most noticeable when the CAT is cold.

I would expect your car to have one being a 93 - it's generally a very flat 'center box' (although some elder types are quite cylinder) and with a little crawling under the car you should also spot the two sensors just before the two manifold ports concatenate. These are your O2 sensors. If you can't see them you don't have a CAT. ALL cars with CATs MUST have O2 sensors.

Interesting that mine hasn't though, being a '92, but hey - it's way cheaper in the long run! Typical dealer costs for these is around 800UKP each....yes...some cars are fitted with two!!
Lea

Thanks Lea,

I'll take a look when I'm next under the car, or get the shop to tell me on the next service. Don't like the look of those prices though!

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.