Sulfur Oxide Emits Unpleasant Odor
Question: My 1986 Mercury Sable sometimes emits a strong odor that seems to come from the catalytic converter. Is this possible, and if so, can it be corrected?--B.B.
A: Many newer cars, both domestic and imported, emit obnoxious odors that have their owners skunked. The problem results from emissions of sulfur oxide, a substance with a potent smell resembling rotten eggs.
Though the odor problem may seem trivial, it has caused heated complaints by owners who find themselves nauseated after spending anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 on a new car.
Many manufacturers have offered little help to owners, suggesting that they change brands of gasoline on the off chance of finding a gasoline with a lower sulfur content. Some manufacturers have blamed the problem on high-sulfur Alaskan crude oil, which is widely distributed on the West Coast.
Ford apparently has gone a step further in solving the problem for its car owners.
The company has issued a service bulletin to dealers regarding a recalibrated “electronic control assembly” or computer. The gases apparently result from incomplete combustion of the fuel, which in turn is caused by an overly rich fuel mixture.
The company will update the computer that controls carburetion and other key engine functions at no charge, if you have the problem, according to Ford officials.
In addition, Ford has changed some of its manufacturing processes and will replace some catalytic converters under the federally mandated five-year warranty on all emission systems.
A third measure for combatting the odor is a relatively simple procedure to check the idle stop adjustment. Although the computer controls the engine idle speed, there is also a mechanical adjustment that does not permit the engine speed to drop below 100 RPMs.
Q: I think I have a wheel-alignment problem on my 1986 Dodge Van, because sometimes I have to turn the steering wheel about 20 degrees to keep the van going straight. A dealer said the steering box was defective and would have to be replaced at a cost of $350. He claimed steering boxes are a problem on large vans and usually need to be replaced every 40,000 miles. Your comments, please.--A.N.
A: The steering box or steering gear is not usually the cause of an off-center steering wheel. What’s more, unless the steering wheel is pulling, an off-center steering wheel may only require an inexpensive alignment to correct.
A mechanic usually can center a steering wheel by adjusting the tie-rod ends during an alignment. The steering wheel can go off center as the steering system wears or when the front end goes out of alignment.
The steering gear, which converts the rotating motion of the steering column into the lateral motion needed to turn the front wheels, can wear out. When it does, a car or van usually will wander or weave in driving. The steering will feel loose.
In the Chrysler steering system, there are two adjustments possible to tighten up looseness that occurs as the gears wear out. At some point, the steering gear cannot be adjusted any further, but that seldom occurs by 40,000 miles.
Q: Since I bought my Oldsmobile Ciera SL in March of 1987, I have had to replace six bent wheels and four tires. Can they all be defective, or is something on the car causing that?--R.L.
A: Your problem has stumped the suspension experts I contacted. The car’s suspension system is an unlikely cause of the problem. It is also unlikely that all six wheels were defective.
If the wheels were not original equipment, you might try to determine if they meet national standards set by the Rim Manufacturers Assn. Wheels are a key safety item and must be manufactured to exacting standards.
The only other issue is your driving. Do you routinely drive the car at high speeds over deep holes or over tall curbs?
Vartabedian cannot answer mail personally but will respond in this column to automotive questions of general interest. Do not telephone. Write to Your Wheels, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.
