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Sulfur Smell from Toyota 4Runner

862 messages,  Last post on Aug 20, 2009 at 3:48 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, Engine, Exhaust, Fuel System, SUV

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#652 of 862 Experience with the tailpipe extension by rcgator Jan 22, 2004 (9:30 am)
Well, Toyota took care of doing the work, and I really don't know how long the extension is. It is still to the rear, though I asked several times if they would consider extending it to the side. I wonder if that would make a difference.   No, neither the intensity not the frequency has diminished at all since the extension. The techs. keep telling me it's not sulfur because it doesn't smell strictly of rotten eggs, but kind of a rotten egg/perm solution mix. Does this sound totally insane, or does anyone know what I'm talking about?   The person I have been dealing with (I don't really want to divulge names or anything, but he is definitely in the know inside Toyota) told me that Toyota will be replacing the catalytic converter and another part, I'm sorry I can't remember what it was called, early this year. I'm sorry not to be able to say more, but I don't want to get into any details because I am still dealing with Toyota to try to reach some kind of agreement regarding this truck. And it's not just 4Runners, it's also Sequoias and several others. I don't know if it's going to be a full-blown recall, or a per-case type situation, but something will be done soon.   I really wish we could get this taken care of quickly.
#653 of 862 Sulfur Smell by rogers12 Jan 22, 2004 (9:41 am)
The sulfur smell in these cases is from sulfur dioxide, a sharp smell. Rotten eggs smell is from hydrogen sulfide.
#654 of 862 Porsche Tech Bulletin by rogers12 Jan 22, 2004 (10:23 am)
http://p-car.com/technical/sulfur.htm   SULFUR-LIKE SMELL FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM (Porsche Technical Bulletin) Contributed by: Ray Calvo   (For all models)   A sulfur or rotten egg smell might not indicate any problem with the vehicle, but is likely a fuel problem. Sulfur found in gasoline is normally converted via combustion and the catalytic converter into sulfur dioxide (SO2). Under certain operating conditions (when engine is running rich, such as heavy acceleration or under a heavy load), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) might be formed instead, which gives off the sulfur/rotten egg odor. To what extent this occurs depends upon the sulfur content of the fuel and the operating condition of the catalytic converter.   If a car is exhibiting this phenomena, first thing to do is to run an engine diagnostic to ensure that the mechanical and fuel systems check out OK. If no problems are found, it is then advisable to switch gasoline brands.   Porsche has noted that if there are no problems found in the engine or fuel/emissions equipment, replacement of such components as oxygen sensors or catalytic converters will not reduce the smell, and will therefore not be considered a warranty matter.
#656 of 862 rogers... by driftracer Jan 22, 2004 (10:39 am)
now be careful, many of these Toyota folks think they're the only people on the planet with this problem (sulphur smell), plus can't figure out that if you use recirculate, it draws in air from the rear (not the front, that would be FRESH air).   We're long past common sense explanations of this problem, and these guys don't want to believe that every other manufacturer has vehicles that give off a sulphur smell at times...   I gave up on this many moons ago.
#657 of 862 driftracer by rcgator Jan 22, 2004 (10:57 am)
I know other cars produce this odor as well. I never said Toyota was the only one. The problem is the that the fumes are getting into the car. You obviously did not read my previous post in which I indicated that my A/C was not on at all the last time I perceived the odor in the cabin (and no, I don't drive with my rear window open).   But hurry and call Toyota to let them know this isn't a problem for you; maybe they won't implement the fix they have proposed.
#658 of 862 by toyboxx Jan 22, 2004 (11:19 am)
When did they propose a fix? Do you have alink to something stating that?   People keep eluding to this fix that is coming out, where did you hear it from?
#659 of 862 by dirtdriver Jan 22, 2004 (6:30 pm)
After seeing 650+ messages posted in this topic,I have to wonder why this topic has not died?? I live in Southern California and have lived in other large California metro areas. I have never had the so called sulphur smell while using gsoline purchased in California, regardless of vehicle. Wonder why? Maybe because Califonia has the strictest and lowest permissable sulphur content in gasoline of all the USA. This will be changing as States start to limit the sulphur content.This topic has been addressed bay ALL of the major automobile magazines ie Motor Trend, Car&Driver, Road and Track , Automobile, on and on. The smell is due, very specifically, to the sulphur content in the gasoline purchased, State by State then Brand by Brand. In traveling to other States the smell in traffic situations is obvious. Secondly, if you open the rear hatch window of the 4Runner (specifically advised by Toyota in Owners Manual NOT TO DO) the exhaust fumes and road grime will be sucked into your vehicle? WHY? If you watch NASCAR or other auto racing events you have heard of DRAFT. A vacuum is created at the rear of a vehicle as the air flow moves over the vehicle. The vacuum pulls the vehicle behind (DRAFTING) and if the rear hatch window is open, pulls air/dirt/fumes into the vehicle. Opening the rear hatch window is not good!! High sulphur content in gasoline is not good! Eating a lot of eggs at one sitting is not good! If you dont like the smell in the air, contact you Elected State Representatives and tell them you want the sulphur content of gasoline reduced... I have ranted now you can flame.
#660 of 862 Gas-Related? by rogers12 Jan 22, 2004 (7:28 pm)
Although it is generally agreed that the sulfur smell is from sulfur in the gasoline, there are some on this board that claim that no gasoline change helps them and they have tried every type and grade of gas available to them without success. Since there are some brands of gas that are better than others in this regard, it is surprising that these low-sulfur gas brands/grades don't solve their problem (AMOCO Ultra for one).   I think it is clear that not everyone agrees that sulfur in the gas is the problem.   Also, some people cannot seem to keep the smell our of their vehicles no matter that all the windows are closed and their a/c is on fresh air intake.   Obviously, they feel it is Toyota's problem and not a generic sulfur-in-the-gas problem.
#661 of 862 thank you dirtdriver by highlander7 Jan 22, 2004 (7:29 pm)
Thank you for this very logical explanation. If in fact it is the fuel, our Edmunds Host may soon be closing this topic.   I have been posting the past month on why I believe my 4Runner does not have the sulfur odor. Either my truck is one of the many that does not have the problem or it is because of the low level sulfur gas the truck has been using since new. I along with some others have advised people to try a low sulfur grade gasoline, have no idea if any of these folks considered this.   My dealer's Service Manager advised me to use a good grade of premium gas and to stay away from the discount brands. He would not mention brand names, possibly for legal reasons?

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