Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - 370z chemical/sulfur odor (catalytic converter??)

Rsdntevl · 01-31-2011, 11:48 PM

Hello everyone, I got a new 370z 6sp w 100 miles on it and the 2nd day of driving I could smell this awful, pungent, chemical, and sulfur-like-smell. I didn't rev past redline, was merely practicing going up hill (new at stick).

Possible causes of extremely strong chemical smell:
1. Burned tire (unlikely since I was driving less than 35 mph)
2. Burned clutch (didn't dump clutch, no weird clutch sound)
3. Burned plastic from engine heat (again I didn't redline, cold weather ~65 F and stable engine temp)
4. Electrical (unlikely, doesn't smell like that)
5. Catalytic converter (quite likely, chemical rxn takes place in the cat, elements such as excess sulfur probably gets put out through the exhaust)

I've also heard of ppl getting chemical odor from redlining, which is definitely the cat problem.

If it's the catback, would replacement such as Stillen or Berks remedy such issue?

For those that say 'it's just how z's are' or 'it's a minor problem', let me say that no normal car should be like that. Anyone having the same problem or have any thoughts please provide some input.

01-31-2011, 11:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rsdntevl Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 157 Drives: 2010-370z-Grey-6MT Rep Power: 14	370z chemical/sulfur odor (catalytic converter??) Hello everyone, I got a new 370z 6sp w 100 miles on it and the 2nd day of driving I could smell this awful, pungent, chemical, and sulfur-like-smell. I didn't rev past redline, was merely practicing going up hill (new at stick). Possible causes of extremely strong chemical smell: 1. Burned tire (unlikely since I was driving less than 35 mph) 2. Burned clutch (didn't dump clutch, no weird clutch sound) 3. Burned plastic from engine heat (again I didn't redline, cold weather ~65 F and stable engine temp) 4. Electrical (unlikely, doesn't smell like that) 5. Catalytic converter (quite likely, chemical rxn takes place in the cat, elements such as excess sulfur probably gets put out through the exhaust) I've also heard of ppl getting chemical odor from redlining, which is definitely the cat problem. If it's the catback, would replacement such as Stillen or Berks remedy such issue? For those that say 'it's just how z's are' or 'it's a minor problem', let me say that no normal car should be like that. Anyone having the same problem or have any thoughts please provide some input.