Questions and Answers

Smelly Mazda Q. Vince, Help! My 1991 Mazda Protege keeps breaking down. It is 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. No air, no cruise. 165,000 miles. Fuel injection. It stops running when driving on the highway.

Has a strange feel to gas pedal, slowly starts losing power, bucks to a crawl, stalls Smells like rotten eggs. Won't start up immediately, but after 5-10 minutes starts up and runs fine.

I have had it towed, and it was fine for the mechanic. I have had a tune-up, replaced fuel filter, new oxygen sensor, it just did it again, but each time feels like it is "not right". I have an automatic car starter, could this be contributing? I have had it 2 years with no problem. My mechanic is at a loss-, any suggestions?? Is it time for a new car?

Thanks!
Debbie

A. With the rotten egg smell I would have to say the problem is related to the catalytic converter. If it is partially clogged it will restrict the exhaust flow and gradually choke the engine to death. When it sits and cools off and the pressure has time to bleed off, it will start and go for a while longer. So that's what I would suggest be checked next.

If the converter is bad, then the question becomes "Why did it go bad?" Catalytic converters usually go bad due to an engine problem. So it's best to get the engine checked when the converter is replaced to prevent damage to the new converter.

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