So my '90 RT Wagon (D16A6, stock exhaust) has a stinky exhaust problem!

It has driven me somewhat mad for months. I replaced the donut gasket for the header/cat junction, with no improvement. Here is the rundown...

Once warm, I need to turn off the HVAC fan at stops due to exhaust smell. When moving it is not an issue. I have poked around under the hood when running (and stopped ) and can smell exhaust right above the cat area (why I replaced the donut gasket).

The smell is so immediate when stopped it seems like I should be able to hear an exhaust leak (if that is the case), but can hear nothing.... Are there any other possible causes for such a stink besides an exhaust leak? (If I can't find anything I'll bring it in for the custom 2" header-back exhaust system I've been wanting, I just don't want the smell to still be there if it isn't a leak issue.)

thanks
Chad

 

smell like rotten eggs?

 

yea if it does smell liek rotten eggs, isnt that just ur cat converter working?

 

never heard of that..

 

I have the same problem... after I bone out it smells like rotten eggs, anybody know what the storey is on that?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crx_88_si &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">smell like rotten eggs?</TD></TR></TABLE>

^^^if thats the case then its the ignition system not burnin all the fuel.....

not 100% sure, but pretty sure, we did that in my auto tech class at EVIT here in az, took off the plug wire and its smelled like rotten eggs for a long time.....

but if im wrong, someone please correct me

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BroPaul &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have the same problem... after I bone out it smells like rotten eggs, anybody know what the storey is on that?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's the cat doing it's job.

 

not to hijack the thread but, i replaced my cat around jan. and when i really get on it, i start to smell a strange smell. i cant describe it, but if i had to, i would say it smells like something is...hot. any ideas?

 

yeah i would blame it on the cat...i had that same problem but it smelled more like sulfur so i got rid of the cat and no more stank.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Die-Laughing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yeah i would blame it on the cat...i had that same problem but it smelled more like sulfur so i got rid of the cat and no more stank.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That is a violation of federal law, my friend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johnclaunch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That is a violation of federal law, my friend.</TD></TR></TABLE>

call the cops

 

That's for the input... jesus this board moves fast!

anyhow, no, it does not smell like rotten eggs. And the car has passed CO emmisions like a champ, so the cat is effective.

This smells like exhaust. Not too gassy, not oily, just exhaust.

Ity just seems like an exhaust leak would be audible or at least leave black deposits around the leak itself.

It is definitely comming from the Cat area. I need to get a angle mirror and look ALL around the exhaust tubing and joints at the area I guess.

A disconnected crankcase breather wouldn't smell up the car instantly at a stop would it?