Sulphur Exhaust

Hi Folks -

Last night when I returned from the local MTB park, I had my truck running while I quickly dismounted my bike to take into the garage. I was overcome by what I would describe as a very strong sulphur smell from the exhaust. Couldn't really tell there was "smoke" per se, but definitely was a stronger smell than I've ever witnessed from a "new/healthy" truck... The smell of it almost gagged me - you know that wonderful rotten eggs smell we all love!

I was not driving aggressively or under any measurable payload so it definitely wasn't due to driving conditions.

Driving '17 OR DCSB w/ 5,000 miles on it.

Something to be concerned about?

 

MEOW

 

That has been known to be a smell from a new catalytic converter.

 

New metal that's hot, like exhaust, will make funky smells.

 

It is a concern because the cat converter isn't burning it off. There is a bit of sulphur in fuel. You might want to keep an eye on it and take it in and keep notes on when it's occuring. If you notice a significant loss in power and the truck not wanting to accelerate when the smell is present, it's definitely clogged or damaged. You didn't have prior CPS issues did you? The dealership may end up replacing the cat.

 

Thanks for the insightful response on this - it definitely didn't smell normal given the overpowering odor. And I am not aware of any CPS issues. I did have the tranny issues which seem to be mostly resolved with the latest flash. ...and I have the annoying pedal vibration at certain RPMs, but otherwise it's been running just fine. And the thing is I haven't noticed the odor until yesterday but will pay closer attention to it moving forward and if it recurs I'll take it into the dealer and have them take a look before any damage is done. Hopefully it's not a big deal - I really love this truck, I just wish I could have the same blind trust in this truck as I've been able to have in all my Toyotas over the years...

 

Try driving it like you stole it to burn off some of the shit.

 

Are you sure it's coming out the exhaust?

 

I smell mine from time to time. Usually driving up a hill.

 

Must be that high sulfer deisel!

 

Yeah, that's the case for lots of vehicles at heavy loading. Leave your vents or windows open trailing behind someone and you'll get a good whiff of it.

 

Yes, definitely coming from the exhaust pipe - I took a good (unhealthy) whiff of the stuff to be sure. And it was sitting in idle when I smelled it and I had literally just driven a couple of miles in suburban Nashville - <45 MPH with little in the bed/cab and only minor hills.

 

Not unhealthy... try different gas... I.E. different brand.. no need to use high octane either.

I use Sunoco here on the right coast.. no sulfur smell at all.

3 reasons for sulfur..

Cat is malfunctioning
Hot running engine
Fuel pressure not correct - do you hear a chirping sounds under the hood from time to time... that's the sound of the fuel pump pressure too high causing the chirp.. may cause the sulfur smell too). Known issue...

Take truck to dealer, have them diagnose it.

 

Yes, I do have the chirp sound that I notice - especially on the rare occasions I sit at a drive thru and can hear the audible chirp from under the hood. The engine wasn't hot - temp gauge was right in the middle as it should be. Will take it to the dealer though I feel like they are starting to take the "don't make eye contact b/c we may have to admit something's wrong when Toyota's told us not to..." Will see and report back, just hard to find all the time to keep taking this in. Love the truck - just need to get these kinks worked out.

 

Yeah not every truck has that chirp.... its been diagnosed as too high pressure from the fuel pump... may have something to do with your sulfur smell... the dealer should be able to look up the chirp ....
if not the answer is here somewhere.

Search for "chirp + fuel pump" that should get you the answer... not a TSB yet, that I know of.