I have a 87 F250 with a 302. Every time I drive it I smell like exhaust. Doesn't matter how short or long the trip, but the longer the trip the stronger the smell when you get out. I found 1 loose manifold bolt and tightend it, but no difference. Any suggestions?
I would bet that the gasket is shot. So you will probably have to replace that. I would also strongly suspect you need a catalytic converter. There is a good possibility that someone removed it in the past, and without it your truck will stink.
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My Rides
1994 Ford Aerostar 4.0L AWD extended
175,000 miles
Fullblown 50 series catback system
590 watt sound system
AFE ProDryS filter
1990 Mazda B2600i
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Custom exhaust with BearCats high flow converter and a straight through muffler
Custom high velocity intake with AFE ProDryS filter
Any smells like rotten eggs from the exhaust? That's usually the warning sign of a bad cat. (and I'm not talking Morris the kitty here LOL)
Also as mentioned it's very possible the gasket's crap and will have to be replaced. One of the things I can suggest would be having an exhaust shop that has a free exhaust check? Put the truck in the air and check for exhaust leaks. Once done? You'll have an idea of where you stand with it. Unless you personally "See" anything they suggest? Take things with a grain of salt. Ask to be shown anything they find..Then of course--come back with the report and we'll help you all we can if you want to resolve this yourself.
[quote=Tedybear]Any smells like rotten eggs from the exhaust? That's usually the warning sign of a bad cat. (and I'm not talking Morris the kitty here LOL)
No rotten egg smell. And you really can't smell it when driving, maybe faintly. Its mostly my cothes/hair that smell like it after driving.
Ehh...I'd still opt for one of the free exhaust checks and have them check for leaks just to be safe. Might be something simple like the seals on the door are not tight enough, and you're getting some air leaking in. Probably slightly more so when stopped and the fumes raise up a bit.
A rotten egg smell is not normal failure for a converter, and I have never personally observed a vehicle that had a rotten egg smell. So Ford and Toyota models had issues with such a smell when low quality fuels were used that had a excessive sulpher content, and was a combination of the bad fuel and an experimental catalyst design. This problem did not take effect till '98.
__________________
My Rides
1994 Ford Aerostar 4.0L AWD extended
175,000 miles
Fullblown 50 series catback system
590 watt sound system
AFE ProDryS filter
1990 Mazda B2600i
505,000 miles
Custom exhaust with BearCats high flow converter and a straight through muffler
Custom high velocity intake with AFE ProDryS filter
A rotten egg smell is not normal failure for a converter, and I have never personally observed a vehicle that had a rotten egg smell. So Ford and Toyota models had issues with such a smell when low quality fuels were used that had a excessive sulpher content, and was a combination of the bad fuel and an experimental catalyst design. This problem did not take effect till '98.
I travel over 700 miles a week for my job. And I do wind up at times behind cars that flat out reak!!!!! of rotten eggs/sulfer type order.
Quote:
credit to Popular Mechanics. Outstanding artical regarding what the smells can mean for everyones car and trucks.
With the Mod's permission? I can post the link to the full story. (5) SMELLS LIKE: ROTTEN EGGS
WHEN: Any time your engine is running. THE CULPRIT: Hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust, which is produced by trace amounts of sulfur in gasoline. It's supposed to be converted to sulfur dioxide in your catalytic converter. This may be indicative of a fuel-injection problem, and can be cured by a sharp mechanic. But often it means a failed catalytic converter. The bad news: A new cat is expensive. The good news is it's probably covered under warranty. Check with your dealer.
I would start the truck cold then crawl under before things get to hot and listen for leaks, do this in a WELL VENTILATED area (outside!!!!!) and never stay under the truck for extended period of time (if you really wanna be safe, hold your breath and when its time to breath, roll out from under the truck and repeat.)
If you dont find anything in the pipes then the next suspect would be the manifold gaskets like mentioned about, with engine idling hold a peice of tissue paper all around the manifolds and see if it flutters AWAY from them at any time.
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You also might want to check the emission tube on the back of the engine, it goes from the back of one head to the back of the other and is very common to rot out and you probably wouldn't hear it at an idle. There also might be another emission tube that rots out between the 2 cats, it goes in on the top of the pipe, so you really have to go under and look for it
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