Hi all.
I always run 91 octane gas in my TL, but if I get on it after I let off the gas and cruise. I always get that smelly "catalytic" smell throughout my car. Does anyone else have this problem?
I have had this since the begining. The car has 13K miles on it. 2004 TL, bone stock!

 

That's normal for the TL. Mine stinks pretty badly after I've been having fun with it and then park shortly afterward.

 

Welcome to the forum


An year ago, a plastic bag stuck on that under floor catalytic converter, for almost 2 weeks, I had to suffer that Dioxins-like smell each time I drove my car. It completely melted up over the pipe. I mean maybe we could get rid of the stinky stuff by turning off the air vent, but the smell from the underneath, it's hard. IMO.

 

Ok, so I am glad to hear that this is a normal thing. Do all of you guys run 91 octane in your rides? With the gas prices, I was thinking of running 87 octane to save a few bucks.

 

I think that if you are running 87 octane you would end up using the same amount of money on gas. I think you are better off running 91 and getting better fuel efficiency.

I think someone said that you actually burn more gas when using a lower octane. Might as well go with the correct octane and be more effecient as well as have your engine run at peak performance. No?

 

True. I do want it to run at its best.

 

I bet you are using Shell. If so, try switching brands for a few tanks. I believe they use more sulfer than other brands and that is the smell you are getting. Or yours is running a bit lean.

 

Running 87 octane in a car designed for 91 is just plain stupid. You go and buy a 35,000 car, then worry about spending a few extra dollars on fuel. Next time, buy a car designed to run on regular gas if you're cheap.