2003 Sport Edition 4.0 v6 Help

[03SportEdition]

I am new to the forum and need some advice on my 2003 Sport Edition. 135k miles, runs great, 4 liter, 2nd owner, and well maintained.

At start up it doesn't smoke, but has a pretty bad smell coming from the tailpipe. The smell goes away after the truck warms up. The problem also comes up when the engine is under a load, going up a hill, or towing a trailer. It doesn't burn oil, has good power, and runs good.

Any advice on what I can do to fix this problem? I though maybe it could be a cat issue, but I am not an expert. It's probably ready for a tune up.

Thanks for the help. Jim

 

[4Beast]

Is it a sulfur smell?

 

[Jed]

4th gen 4Runners are known to have relatively "smelly" catalytic converters. If you're noticing it mostly under load or heavy throttle, then it's mostly like normal. There was a TSB issued for Toyota dealers to install an upgrade cat, but most guys say it doesn't help much at all.

If it really bothers you, consider replacing the Toyota cat with an aftermarket unit. Walker makes a good one that fits the 4Runner and doesn't stink.

 

[galactic_04]

check your coolant. is it low or looking odd in color?

 

[Jed]

check your coolant. is it low or looking odd in color?

What makes you think there's a coolant related problem? He says it is running fine and the only issue is the smell...

 

[galactic_04]

My 944 ran fine with a blown headgasket for a long time... just an odd smell to it and I had to keep the coolant filled...

 

[DC Dude]

I had my catalytic converter replaced as soon as the TSB came out and along with that they reprogrammed the computer.

With that along with a K&N filter, the sulfur smell lessened by a lot.

 

[8086bruce]

is the TSB still good? I have a 07 with 32k could I get mine replaced?

 

[Nuke]

Have you tried different brands of fuel? I'm thinking that you're smelling the normal, stink of exhaust which will tend to smell more under load. Different brands of fuel have varying levels of sulphur and other constituents.

 

[DC Dude]

is the TSB still good? I have a 07 with 32k could I get mine replaced?

I think it should be, but you can't just show up and ask for a new one. You'll have to complain that you are suffering from the sulfur smell.

And yes, different fuels will make a difference.

Top Tier Gasoline