Just bought '06 V6 Limited...rotting egg smell?

[Denton]

Glad to be in another 4Runner, been eight years without one.

Just bought a nice 2006 V6 Runner with 84k miles but when you mash the gas, it moves great but you can smell a rotting egg smell. I've heard this is a catalyst tendency. Not certain but there might be a bit of black smoke out of the tailpipe upon full throttle?

No check engine light, drove it about 150 miles so far. What gives?

 

[combatmedic]

Did you test drive it?

 

[Denton]

Did you test drive it?

Bought it sight unseen. The price is still low even if I replace cats.

 

[combatmedic]

Yikes, note to self, never buy vehicle w/o test drive.


I'd check for exhaust leaks too, especially around manifold area

 

[ChaosStarter]

Are you driving with the rear window down? If so, that can be a source of the sulfur smell. Try not to do that because it brings A LOT of exhaust fumes into the cabin.

There is a TSB to replace the middle cats on the V6 and V8s, but I believe it's only up until 8 years or 80k miles, which you just missed. It doesn't get rid of the smell completely, but it does help.

 

[Denton]

If I needed to test drive the truck I likely would have missed the deal.

Are you driving with the rear window down? If so, that can be a source of the sulfur smell. Try not to do that because it brings A LOT of exhaust fumes into the cabin.

There is a TSB to replace the middle cats on the V6 and V8s, but I believe it's only up until 8 years or 80k miles, which you just missed. It doesn't get rid of the smell completely, but it does help.

Thanks for the tip, yes, that was with the rear window down.

Are you saying that a bit of a smell is normal? I don't really mind, just want to make sure.

 

[d_clark]

Yes, the Sulfer smell is pretty common with the back window down. There was a TSB out there for the V8s.

 

[Denton]

Doing a bit of googling shows that MANY have this issue, so while that's not a good think neccessarily, it's nice to know it's not just my truck.

 

[GROVERUNNER]

I think pretty much every 4th gen (maybe others too?) does this, its not a problem just isn't the best smelling exhaust.....pretty sure a aftermarket exhaust can "fix" it but Ive grown to kind of like it

 

[Atlanta_man]

Dealer replaced my whole exhaust system when it was new due to the TSB.
Not much change, if any.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Its normal.

 

[jaybird93000]

it is normal. To fix, don't even have to replace the muffler. Just get it routed out the side behind one of your tires, and it will go away. The current position of your exhaust tip allows that gas to be sucked back into the car when you're driving. So you can easily just put up with the smell occasionally, or pay 50-100 at a local muffler shop to get the tip re-routed out the side! (DO IT, can get some cool exhaust tips these days)
:hatsoff:

 

[cleger]

Yeah we as 4Runner owners know its nothing and can live with it. But when my wife or friends smell
It they are like god u drive a piece of crap that stinks so bad. Kinda embarrasses me

 

[Glock_19]

it is normal. To fix, don't even have to replace the muffler. Just get it routed out the side behind one of your tires, and it will go away. The current position of your exhaust tip allows that gas to be sucked back into the car when you're driving. So you can easily just put up with the smell occasionally, or pay 50-100 at a local muffler shop to get the tip re-routed out the side! (DO IT, can get some cool exhaust tips these days)
:hatsoff:

Agreed, a bunch of people have solved this problem with the side exhaust. Here is mine: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...s-more/122783-side-exhaust-complete-pics.html

 

[1fast_e]

Guess I have gotten use to it. Same issue with my second, both third and now my fourth gens.
When its had time to warm up it doesnt seem to be a problem.

 

[having fun]

Buy what I understand, it mainly happens when your above 2000rpm, not sure where I heard it from.

 

[CXS]

One more voice saying it's normal, keep the rear window closed when mashing the skinny pedal. It's not really a good idea to suck on your exhaust anyway.

 

[nvestor88]

This happened to my 08 v6 4 runner as well while driving with the rear window down. I was told to use gas w/o ethanol. im not sure if there is still gas that is 100% ethanol free. annoying but a great truck. is there a TSB for the v-6's? might as well get it done while my miles are still low..

 

[wadle5]

This happened to my 08 v6 4 runner as well while driving with the rear window down. I was told to use gas w/o ethanol. im not sure if there is still gas that is 100% ethanol free. annoying but a great truck. is there a TSB for the v-6's? might as well get it done while my miles are still low..

Gas w/o ethanol will still produce the sulfur smell that you say is rotten eggs.

there is a TSB if you go to the main page and click on TSB you will find it. . .

 

[LTDSC]

One more voice saying it's normal, keep the rear window closed when mashing the skinny pedal. It's not really a good idea to suck on your exhaust anyway.

but i love driving with the window down