My Engine Is Sputtering and I Smell Rotten Eggs

Techway Automotive would be happy to inspect your car, truck, or utility vehicle if the engine is sputtering and you smell rotten eggs. Most likely, you have a clogged and malfunctioning catalytic converter. This exhaust system part has the dubious task of taking the dangerous toxins in your automobile’s exhaust and changing them to something safer before they flow out of the tailpipe. Let’s talk more about the signs of a clogged catalytic converter.

Sputtering Engine

As we just mentioned, when the catalytic converter gets clogged, it can indirectly make your engine sputter. The reason why is simple: exhaust. The exhaust must flow through the catalytic converter before it is released out of the tailpipe. If the catalytic converter is clogged, the exhaust will back into the combustion chamber and prevent further engine combustion. This can make your engine sputter and struggle to maintain power and speed.

Rotten Egg Smell

Rotten egg odors are an indication of burning sulfur. There are two parts in your automobile that will release rotten egg odors. The first is the catalytic converter. The second is the battery. If your catalytic converter is malfunctioning, it will release this unpleasant scent in your vehicle’s exhaust. If your battery is leaking, you might smell rotten eggs around the battery.

Acceleration Lag

Getting back to engine performance issues, you may also have problems accelerating your vehicle if the catalytic converter is clogged. Again, the reason why is that the vehicle’s exhaust has filled the combustion chamber and there is no room for fresh air and fuel. This can create acceleration lag that will not be resolved until you replace the catalytic converter.

Black Exhaust Smoke

Another sign that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning is black exhaust smoke. As you know, you generally don’t see any exhaust coming out of your tailpipe except for steam on cold nights. When the catalytic converter goes bad, it can end up releasing black exhaust smoke through the tailpipe.

Way Too Much Heat

Finally, the catalytic converter will also overheat. Because it is located underneath your automobile, a majority of the excess heat will be found there. This does not mean, however, that the heat won’t rise into the engine and overheat the engine. If your engine has been overheating lately, it’s possible that the catalytic converter is going bad.

Techway Automotive can be found in Blakely, GA, and in Dothan and Opp, AL. Choose the shop closest to you and give it a call for an appointment for a catalytic converter inspection.