Focus Mk1 dropping egg...

[bongos]

Evening all.

I have a Mk 1 Focus 2000 reg. It's getting old but has generally been problem free throughout it's life. However, there's now a really strong smell of rotten eggs (something sulphur based presumably) in the car when I start the engine. Also noticeable when stopped at lights etc though not as strongly.

I'm assuming it's probably related the catalytic converter - possibly being on the way out? Or is there another candidate?

OOI, if it is the cat, why am I smelling it so strongly in the car anyway - does the gas just escape that way?

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

The sulphurous smell isn't that uncommon and is indeed nothing to worry about.....however, the smell inside the car is.
This normally points to the seals on the hatchback lid not doing their job, and it could be worth adjusting the lock keep to pull the hatch in tighter.
John

 

[AlanE]

Also check condition of exhaust.

 

[rsgaz]

It could be coming from the washer bottle or the pollen filter.

Gaz

 

[bongos]

Thanks for the advice - it's appreciated. I wonder if the state of the exhaust manifold could be causing a problem with fumes in the car?

I remember my gf saying a mechanic had done a temporary fix on it sometime before but she doesnt think she ever got it replaced (the rest of it was replaced a few years later I think). A damaged manifold would (or could) presumably release fumes into the car which would be more noticeable when stationary?

 

[Burnerman]

If the exhaust manifold is cracked, you would hear a chuffing sound.......exhaust gas would escape and it's conceivably possible that fumes could enter the car. However, that wouldn't be the sulphurous smell......that comes from the cat, which is down stream from the manifold of course.
As rsgaz says, bacteria on the air con evaporator can cause an organic pong (if your car has it) and old washer fluid pongs too.
John

 

[bongos]

Thanks.

In that case I'm going to rule out the manifold, the washer fluid and also say the air con is less likely. That does smell from time to time but is rarely used and is more wet dog than egg!

So assuming its the cat (which seems like the best bet here) it sounds like the fumes must be coming in from the boot. There is some corrosion around the bottom of the boot lid where the metal is beginning to rust badly but only in a couple of places.how do I go about adjusting the lock keep that Burnerman mentions right at the beginning!

 

[Burnerman]

Before you open the tailgate, try pressing down on the sides, just to see if it moves down a bit......if it does, adjustment may be in order.
Open the tailgate and study the catch on the tailgate and the keep on the bodyshell. One or both of these will have elongated slots to accommodate adjustment. It's best to mark with masking tape where the original position is, then slacken the screws and move the catch upwards a bit - evenly - and then retighten and try.
John

 

[bongos]

Thanks! Will have go when I get two minutes and report back! 😃

 

[bongos]

Ahem...so...

It turns out it isn't the exhaust. I'm amazed but it actually is the air/ventilation system. It's become more noticeable as the thermostat is now set to cold rather than hot due to the warmer temperatures.

The air con has always been a bit whiffy (wet dog smell as mentioned) but we don't really use it. I try to remember to switch it on for a quick blast every now and then but it probably doesn't get enough use.

But I digress - so it seems like the egg smell is actually coming through the vents when the heater is set to cold. Ideas anyone? A dirty pollen filter was mentioned earlier - is this a likely culprit and if so is it something I can take out and clean myself (will this even solve it?!)

TIA.

 

[AlanE]

What you can smell is a bacterial build up in Air-Con system.

Replace pollen filter, they are not cleanable, and invest in an antibacterial treatment for the vehicle Air Con system. You can either do it yourself or visit Air Con specialist.

 

[Burnerman]

The Focus pollen filter is under the bonnet scuttle on a 2000 model......bit of a git to do, but also the foam seal is best replaced too.
Air con deodorisers are available from Halfords and so on.....basically you set the car fan to recirculating and then release the aerosol from the rear foot well. They work to some degree.
John

 

[bongos]

Thaks for the advice guys! We can live without the aircon or accept the smell when we do use it. To be fair its very rarely used- we do a verylow mileage in the car anyw.

Im more than happy to get the part and have a dabble at replacing the filter and seal mysdelf. Souns like one of those jobs where ill end up skinning my knuckles a few times.

Just to be clear the scuttle you refer to - is that the area beneath the windscreen?

Will have a go once i get a chance to get the parts and will let you know how i get on. Thanks all for your help!

 

[Burnerman]

Yep, that's what I mean......passenger side, below the screen.
Remove the plastic trims between the screen and scuttle, and the rubber strip that the bonnet closes on to.
Thinking from memory here but the filter can be pulled out by reaching underneath the scuttle.
John

 

[donnyb]

I think a rotten egg smell in the car is more likely to be from the battery. A/C can stink, but I've never had it smell sulfurous. Batteries on the other hand, especially old/knackered batteries can if overcharged or internally shorted produce hydrogen sulfide gas from the sulfuric acid in the battery.

H2S smells exactly like rotten eggs, is explosive, toxic and if it is being vented by your battery, it needs sorting asap.