4runner running rich

Spencer

Spencer

New member
Or so it seems. The exaust is very strong smelling ALMOST sweet. i know these are controlled by computer but what could cause the problem? And its coming out of the rear of the 4runner not engine.

Almost smell likes seafoam but never goes away..
 
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raydouble said:
x2
Year, engine, mileage etc would be good......

If the exhaust smells sweet though, that is a sure sign of burning coolant (head gasket)
Click to expand...

shoot dont tell me that... I dont have a clue what that is anyhow.

97 v6 195,000 miles.

how hard of a fix? i got the tools or friends with tools to do about anything..

But shouldnt i notice a loss of coolant? it never drops..
 
I will check for bubbles from radiator

But I do not get the following
Milky Radiator Fluid
Water In Oil
Over Heating Problems
No coolant or oil running from head but the engine its self looks really greasy.
Never loose oil
No White Smoke

Engine May sound a little Airy, Thought Exaust pipe is totally red and looks like its about to rot out. I know the muffler was replaced and I was planning on replacing the whole exaust. But can a cat cause this?
 
Spencer said:
I will check for bubbles from radiator

But I do not get the following
Milky Radiator Fluid
Water In Oil
Over Heating Problems
No coolant or oil running from head but the engine its self looks really greasy.
Never loose oil
No White Smoke

Engine May sound a little Airy, Thought Exaust pipe is totally red and looks like its about to rot out. I know the muffler was replaced and I was planning on replacing the whole exaust. But can a cat cause this?
Click to expand...

that seriously sounds like the headgasket went.
 
It my just be burning a very slight amount at the moment.

It wouldn't be hitting the ground, check the fluid level.

Burnt coolant has a very distinct smell.....but this is the internet and I've no way to properly describe it.
 
Spencer said:
I will check for bubbles from radiator

But I do not get the following
Milky Radiator Fluid
Water In Oil
Over Heating Problems
No coolant or oil running from head but the engine its self looks really greasy.
Never loose oil
No White Smoke

Engine May sound a little Airy, Thought Exaust pipe is totally red and looks like its about to rot out. I know the muffler was replaced and I was planning on replacing the whole exaust. But can a cat cause this?
Click to expand...

Clean up the engine, check the fluids...........

Water is a byproduct of complete combustion so, yes eventually any mild steel exhaust will rust out.
 
raydouble said:
Clean up the engine, check the fluids...........

Water is a byproduct of complete combustion so, yes eventually any mild steel exhaust will rust out.
Click to expand...

if coolant was burning would that cause it to rust faster?

I just checked my radiator no bubbles

Fluid is same as I left it about 2 months ago.

No white or mily ring around oil cap.


It seems impossible to clean this engine how do I go about that? I really want to but pressurewasher could damage electrical and plus it doesn't do a good job anyways..

Oh and Im glad I went check under my vehicle I found that my tranny was leaking, I forgot to tighten the drain plug all the way thankfully.. But Im glad I caught it early, levels are fine and Ill fix it and add a little tomorrow..
 
Spencer said:
if coolant was burning would that cause it to rust faster?

I just checked my radiator no bubbles

Fluid is same as I left it about 2 months ago.

No white or mily ring around oil cap.


It seems impossible to clean this engine how do I go about that? I really want to but pressurewasher could damage electrical and plus it doesn't do a good job anyways..

Oh and Im glad I went check under my vehicle I found that my tranny was leaking, I forgot to tighten the drain plug all the way thankfully.. But Im glad I caught it early, levels are fine and Ill fix it and add a little tomorrow..
Click to expand...

I dunno I usually just use a pressure washer and avoid spraying electrical components straight on.....I've heard simple green works good also (spray on let set and rinse off) I just take my time with the pressure washer.

I wouldn't worry about the exhaust until you spring a leak.

I'm not convinced you even have a head gasket leak, just the word "sweet" set off my spidey sense.

You would probably notice some drivability issues if you were burning coolant also.
 
Spencer said:
But I do not get the following
Milky Radiator Fluid
Water In Oil
Over Heating Problems
No coolant or oil running from head but the engine its self looks really greasy.
Never loose oil
No White Smoke
Click to expand...

Maybe Mr.B missed the following, reading your post too quickly?
 
Spencer said:
Yea prolly so,

I was planning on doing simple green and a few brushes this weekend, but it just seems like its gonna be a pita..
Click to expand...

It will, :bigok:

If you get her clean though, you should be able to find what's making her greasy/oily a hell of a lot easier.
 
raydouble said:
It will, :bigok:

If you get her clean though, you should be able to find what's making her greasy/oily a hell of a lot easier.
Click to expand...

I thougt it was just from being 12 years old with almost 200k and not much loving. But I have the day off and need to not spend money so this sounds very good. Thought Ill prolly go out and buy a bunch of brushes..

Thanks for the replies. Ill figure it out eventually for now she runs fine and all.. Now one to make another thread..

Actually one more question lets just pretend it was running rich, then what?
 
I just read that running rich symtoms are

Black plugs [have this]
Exaust Brings Tear to eyes [try not to breath too much of it]
Sickly, sweet smell [I reported semi sweet smell]
 
Last edited:
Spencer said:
I thougt it was just from being 12 years old with almost 200k and not much loving. But I have the day off and need to not spend money so this sounds very good. Thought Ill prolly go out and buy a bunch of brushes..

Thanks for the replies. Ill figure it out eventually for now she runs fine and all.. Now one to make another thread..

Actually one more question lets just pretend it was running rich, then what?
Click to expand...

First guess would be oxygen sensors, but you'd want to do some testing....know anyone with an OBD II code reader that will tell you long term/short term fuel trim?

Might want to clean the MAF also....
http://4runners.org/writeups/throttle/index.html

FSM Link
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/index.html
 
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