Replacing exhaust pipe

[Anonymous4Runner]

I have absolutely zero knowledge regarding exhaust pipes. I have a 4th gen '04 4R and I think my catalytic converter needs to be replaced or something. I'm getting a 'rotten egg smell' due to the fuel injector mixing with the fluids too soon (due to me accelerating quickly I think). Because of that, I was wondering if there are any quality exhaust pipes out there where I can buy online and have a shop do the install for me. I'm also looking into seeing the exhaust pipe installed on the side rather than the back where the rear window is. I'm not able to off road in this 4R due to it being a 2WD with a v8 engine vehicle just to answer anyones question regarding my use with the 4R. It's just a daily driver vehicle for me, nothing else more. If you guys can provide reputable brands or links to exhaust pipes for a '04 4R SR5 that would be great. Thanks!

 

[MikeInNH]

Don't just go buy a part and THINK it's going to solve your problem. ONE diagnosis for Rotten Egg smell is a faulty Catalytic converter....another is the vehicle is running too rich.

Have any codes been registered? If so then have them read.

If the catalytic converter is bad then there should be an engine code. The O2 sensors are designed to detect a faulty catalytic converter.

 

[Tjones8224]

I also drive an '04 with a V8 and I get the same smell when the back window is down, but im pretty sure its nothing to worry about and changing the exhaust would not help.

 

[Pritchnakoff]

You should also do a search for the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this exact issue. I have this printed out as I took a copy to my dealer just a few months ago and had them redo the Cats and recalibrate the ECM all paid for by the dealer.

The TSB number is EG015-04 for 2004 V6 4x4 and the statute for this to be covered is 96 months or 80K miles.

This may greatly reduce the smell, but w/o a side exit exhaust there will still be some odor possible. Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[bensanders]

I just swapped out the stock exhaust for the Gibson catback.

Tiny improvement in power/gas mileage, massive improvement in sound, yet I still get the heavy sulfur smell. I really don't think it's an issue, however, I might take it to a dealership to see if they will take a look at my catalytic converter or see if the fuel mixture needs adjusting. I haven't had any codes triggered though.

 

[MikeInNH]

they will take a look at my catalytic converter or see if the fuel mixture needs adjusting

Fuel mixing is done by the ECU. There is no adjustment a mechanic can do.

 

[bensanders]

Fuel mixing is done by the ECU. There is no adjustment a mechanic can do.

hm, I thought it could be adjusted within the ECU. I really know nothing about the electrical system

 

[MikeInNH]

they will take a look at my catalytic converter or see if the fuel mixture needs adjusting

Fuel mixing is done by the ECU. There is no adjustment a mechanic can do.

 

[bensanders]

another is the vehicle is running too rich.

how is this adjusted?

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

You should also do a search for the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this exact issue. I have this printed out as I took a copy to my dealer just a few months ago and had them redo the Cats and recalibrate the ECM all paid for by the dealer.

The TSB number is EG015-04 for 2004 V6 4x4 and the statute for this to be covered is 96 months or 80K miles.

This may greatly reduce the smell, but w/o a side exit exhaust there will still be some odor possible. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Damn I just hit 80,200 not too long ago. Bummer 96 months...to the owner? I got mine through CarMax so does that still apply to me?

 

[bergs]

how is this adjusted?

Fuel mapping, an ECU reflash or by using an aftermarket piggyback system.

Not sure if any of these are options for this vehicle as I have not searched but those are the ways.

 

[crashman]

I read that if you take out the charcoal filter above the drop in filter the smell goes away.
I put in a cold air intake ( or so they call it one) and I haven't noticed the smell, however I haven't driven with the back window open since its too cold now
:shrug:

 

[MikeInNH]

how is this adjusted?

It's NOT adjusted. The ECU makes this adjustment. But what could be happening is some input is slight off (not enough to post a code) and the ECU adjusts the mix accordingly.

 

[08GX470Driver]

yes....if there is any debris on the maf sensor heating element it can cause false voltages to be delivered to the ecu, which will in turn tune it out until it hits its fuel limits and then you'll get a cel

How long has this been occuring? If it's been happening a while and you dont have any check engine lights, I'd say it isnt the maf, but you could clean it anyway.

 

[ClockWork]

Take it to the dealer, they'll love you.

 

[bensanders]

It's NOT adjusted. The ECU makes this adjustment. But what could be happening is some input is slight off (not enough to post a code) and the ECU adjusts the mix accordingly.

So the answer is it's adjusted by reflashing/recalibrating/reseting (whatever) the ECU.