Rotten-Egg Odor a Problem
Question: I purchased a 1985 Toyota Corolla in May, 1985. A rotten-egg odor has nearly put me out numerous times. I have returned the car to dealers three times for this trouble, and the Toyota main office has had my car for three weeks. Everybody passes the buck. What’s the problem?--E.V.
Answer: Toyota has received complaints from other Corolla and Camry owners in recent years about similar rotten-egg odors in their new cars. The problem seems to be related to the catalytic converter and the sulfur content of gasoline.
A technical-service bulletin was issued in 1983, outlining several procedures that dealers could follow in eliminating the problem. The dealers are advised to check such things as idle speed, vacuum hoses, air-injection systems and timing to make sure they are within specifications.
The last resort is to enrich the air/fuel mixture through an adjustment screw on the carburetor. The adjustment screw is factory sealed, so it is best left to a dealer. The objective is to increase the fuel in the mixture until the carbon monoxide level of the exhaust is just below 3%, compared to 1% at the original setting.
Another possible solution to your problem is to experiment with different brands of gasoline. They all contain different amounts of sulfur, and you eventually may find one that will deodorize your car.
If you have tried all of these solutions without success, you may want to ask Toyota to replace your catalytic converter.
Q: The automatic transmission on my 1977 Cutlass Supreme works perfectly, except when it is necessary to move forward three feet, back three feet and then forward again, such as in parking. The transmission reacts with a sharp jerk, which can be avoided only by pausing in neutral and lightly revving the engine. Please explain the cause of my problem.--E.F.
A: If these sharp lurches occur when the engine is idling at its proper speed, then your transmission has a mechanical problem. An automatic transmission is supposed to engage smoothly when you shift into drive or reverse.
The shifting is accomplished through a series of hydraulic valves in what’s called a valve body, which is the control center of an automatic transmission.
Your valve body probably needs cleaning. It’s likely that a valve is binding and then suddenly releasing, which causes a jerky response, rather than a gradual engagement.
But before you launch into a costly transmission overhaul, you may want to make sure that you don’t just need a routine transmission oil change. Oldsmobile recommends that be done as often as every 15,000 miles, depending on the type of driving you do.
Q: I have heard that adding some kerosene to water will not only get a car good and clean, but will give the paint a coating that will make waxing unnecessary.--B.F.
A: Many fire departments use a combination of water and kerosene to clean and polish their fire trucks, but the unusual treatment is probably not suitable for consumers.
A rag dipped into a bucket of water and a small amount of kerosene will deposit a thin film of kerosene onto your paint. The kerosene is fine for removing road film and leaves a shiny surface.
The downside is that the thin coat of kerosene will attract dirt and grit, so you will have to frequently rewash the car. Also, kerosene will not protect auto paint by preventing oxidation in the same way a wax does.
