Something smells like sulfur

[79malibu350]

on the way home from school yesterday my gf started complaining that the car was smelling like rotten eggs, my allergies are kicking my *ss so i didnt know it til we got home and i popped the hood. it seemed to be coming from the general area by the battery and radiator. i thought maybe it was low on fluid or cooked some antifreeze cuz i mostly run just water in the summer, but the radiator was full. anyone have any idea what this could be? i had a blown transmission cooling line awhile back that sprayed the whole underside of the car, could it be transmission fluid burning off? i'd like to figure this one out, mostly so i dont have to hear the complaints from the peanut gallery

 

[joe_padavano]

The sulfur "rotten egg" smell is indicative of an overly rich mixture that's being put through the catalytic converter. If you are still running a converter, you've got a carb or CCC problem.

 

[79malibu350]

no cat.

 

[Bonnewagon]

The battery may be gassing from overcharging, you might want to test the alternator. Battery acid will smell like that, as will having lunch at Taco Bell. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[79malibu350]

ill try that. hopefully it is the alternator, its still under warranty :lol:

 

[Blake442]

You better not be bad-mouthin' Taco Bell Bonnewagon!!

 

[Bonnewagon]

STEP AWAY FROM THE CHALUPA!! I love Taco Bell. Especially with a few cold ones. But you sometimes need to drive home with all of the windows open.

 

[79malibu350]

The battery may be gassing from overcharging, you might want to test the alternator. Battery acid will smell like that, as will having lunch at Taco Bell. Sorry, couldn't resist.

thanks for the tip, that was the culprit! bummer is that alternator was only a few years old and cost a pretty penny (as it had a chrome case) and it fried the battery. another $140 gone....

 

[Bonnewagon]

Depending on what model alternator, you may be able to get a new regulator and swap it on yourself. I got mine from JC Whitney and all you do is open it up and R/R the parts. Hardest part is getting the case back together with the brushes lined up right.

 

[tc1959]

Just put the springs and the brushes back in the holder, insert a tooth pick or one of those little plastic straws that always fall off your spray cans, Through the little hole in the brush holder. Install the holder in the case, and allow the straw to go through the opening in the back of the case. Reassemble the rest of the alternator and pull the straw out, allowing the brushes to recontact the rotor. job done. 8)