Sulfur Smell
10-05-2012 | 03:57 PM
#1
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Joined: 03-09-2012
Posts: 1,430
From: Atlanta
Sulfur Smell
So I noticed a strong sulfur smell coming from my car when I got home today. When I turned off the wagon it made a little extra sound almost like a back fire but it sounded like it came through my intake. Anyways, once I turned off the wagon, the smell of sulfur came. I've got just at 22k miles on her...thinking maybe bad gas? Anything I need to check or should I take her in to the dealership?
10-05-2012 | 04:14 PM
#3
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Joined: 03-09-2012
Posts: 1,430
From: Atlanta
No cel...not tuned. Only mod is k&n intake. Issue just started. I ran my dog to the vet and it almost felt like it didn't have 100% under acceleration.
10-05-2012 | 04:21 PM
#5
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Joined: 03-09-2012
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From: Atlanta
Guess I should mention I've been running nothing by 87 in it for the past 3 or 4 months. I've got a little less than a half tank of gas. After doing a little searching over on the Cobalt forum, I'm thinking maybe bad gas?
10-05-2012 | 04:55 PM
#6
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Joined: 10-06-2011
Posts: 1,150
From: Mesa, AZ
I run 87 always but I am an LS 
. Unless the gas is tainted with something, and I doubt multiple gas stations would all have tainted gas, the smell you describe would not be for lower octane rated gas. Your computer will adjust for the lower octane just fine. Even for the ss's if they were to run 87 they would not get a sulfur smell.
Like Chevymgr said the smell is probably from running rich and the fuel rich exhaust reacting in the cat.
. Unless the gas is tainted with something, and I doubt multiple gas stations would all have tainted gas, the smell you describe would not be for lower octane rated gas. Your computer will adjust for the lower octane just fine. Even for the ss's if they were to run 87 they would not get a sulfur smell. Like Chevymgr said the smell is probably from running rich and the fuel rich exhaust reacting in the cat.
10-05-2012 | 05:04 PM
#8
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Joined: 10-06-2011
Posts: 1,150
From: Mesa, AZ
Here I just found this post that states the info is from the owners manual. Notice it only mentions that you will have reduced output and possible slight knock. But a bad smell...nope.
I was reading the owners manual and I thought this might be helpful
to end the debate about what fuel is needed for our 2.4s
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code V)
or the 2.0L L4 engine (VIN Code M), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of
91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle's
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard. If the octane is less than 87, you
might notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could
damage the engine. If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engine
needs service
to end the debate about what fuel is needed for our 2.4s
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code V)
or the 2.0L L4 engine (VIN Code M), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of
91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle's
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard. If the octane is less than 87, you
might notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could
damage the engine. If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engine
needs service
10-05-2012 | 05:07 PM
#9
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Joined: 03-09-2012
Posts: 1,430
From: Atlanta
Same gas station every time I fill up (Racetrack) always 87. Problem just started this afternoon...didn't run it hard or anything this morning...didn't even step on it once. I've got a little less than a half a tank...I'll top it off next time I run out with some 93 from Shell station down the road.
10-05-2012 | 05:13 PM
#10
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Joined: 10-06-2011
Posts: 1,150
From: Mesa, AZ
Same gas station every time I fill up (Racetrack) always 87. Problem just started this afternoon...didn't run it hard or anything this morning...didn't even step on it once. I've got a little less than a half a tank...I'll top it off next time I run out with some 93 from Shell station down the road.
Since you have been running it for 3-4 months and this just happend today I think that rules out the octane rating. The smell part is already enough to suggest it has NOTHING AT ALL to do with the rating but the fact that it JUST happend confirms it even more.