Exhaust smell

[finless]

I am starting to get a stinky exhaust smell when stopped at lights etc. I did not ever notice this before. It might be just coming from the muffler and wind is pushing it back up on me? I do notice it more when the wind is coming from behind me.
But what should I check if I pull the Tupperware off?
I understand there is a seal that can be a problem?
Any pictures?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[cuznjohn]

wondering

did you run over something that might be stuck under the bike, or some oil might of dripped on the exhaust pipe or can

 

[Huddleston]

I had a cracked exhaust pipe on the left side under the gas tank.

 

[Bob Denman]

Are you noticing any extra heat, or a change in the amount or tone of the exhaust? :dontknow:
If it's just the smell; I'd bet that it's the prevailing winds. :thumbup:

 

[finless]

OK so I must have a leak somewhere or the gas I am using is making a different oder after being burned.
This smell started about 10/18 and now I notice it anytime I am stopped.
For sure it is not wind direction and the smell is not coming from the output of the muffler. The smell is also NOT coming up through the gap in the front of the seat. It seems to be coming up from the bottom under me or under the passenger area. It's bad when there is no wind and your just stopped. It's wafting up from somewhere. I put 1500 of my own miles on my Sypder and never smelled this oder like I do now in the last 200 miles or so.

First I am going to try another gas manufacturer and 91 octane instead of the 89 I have been using. I doubt this is it but maybe some new additive in the gas causing the smell. I have been filling up at USA Gasoline here in Ca.

But any thoughts on what to look for easily before I take all the tupperware off?
I would like to at least identify it before going to the dealer for repair. This way I can tell them what I think the problem is rather than just going in and saying "I have a stinky exhaust smell".

Honestly the smell while light, seemed to give me a headache this AM in heavy stop and go traffic

Bob

 

[Jeriatric]

Winter blend?

 

[finless]

Winter blend?

I assume your joking? Or is there such a thing?

While I have used USA Gasoline a few times more often that not I had been filling up at an Arco near work. Thinking about it the last 4 or so fill up's have been at USA Gasoline. Again I am going to try a different "blend" and see

I am pretty good at hearing sound differences even with my cars. I do not hear anything different which I would expect to hear if there was an exhaust leak or a cracked pipe or manafold. But would you actually hear a difference if a seal or something was leaking after the CAT?

Bob

 

[Jeriatric]

I assume your joking? Or is there such a thing?

While I have used USA Gasoline a few times more often that not I had been filling up at an Arco near work. Thinking about it the last 4 or so fill up's have been at USA Gasoline. Again I am going to try a different "blend" and see

I am pretty good at hearing sound differences even with my cars. I do not hear anything different which I would expect to hear if there was an exhaust leak or a cracked pipe or manafold. But would you actually hear a difference if a seal or something was leaking after the CAT?

Bob

Not joking. Search California fuel blends and/or blends for the seasons.

 

[finless]

Not joking. Search California fuel blends and/or blends for the seasons.

OK so maybe that is it.

Since your in Cali and we have pretty much the same bike, have you ever noticed this e.g. a different odor?

Bob

 

[finless]

Interesting

Interesting read. Thanks for the info!

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/summer-fuel.htm


So in September the pumps switch to winter grade which is higher in toxic pollutants! This timing is in line with about how long I have had this new stinky odor!

So what's the difference between summer-grade fuel and winter-grade fuel? Summer-grade fuel is more expensive for two reasons -- because of the ingredients it contains and because refineries have to briefly shut down before they begin processing it. Summer-grade fuel also burns cleaner than winter-grade fuel. This just means that it produces less smog and releases less toxic air pollutants, which we'll talk about more

Also check out about the gas boiling thing!

Gasoline must have an RVP below 14.7 PSI (pounds per square inch), which is normal atmospheric pressure; if a fuel's RVP were greater than 14.7 PSI, excess pressure would build up in the gas tank, and the fuel could boil and evaporate. Depending on the part of the country, the EPA's standards mandate an RVP below 9.0 PSI or 7.8 PSI for summer-grade fuel. Some local regulations call for stricter standards. Because of these varying RVP standards, up to 20 different types of boutique fuel blends are sold throughout the U.S. during the summer

So the question is....... If I do not have an exhaust leak what to do about it?
Seriously I don't think I can deal with the smell all winter long commuting to work!
I guess my idea of trying different brands and octanes might help....
I will let you all know what I find.

BUT... I cannot be the only one that has noticed this?
Anyone else?

Bob

 

[Magdave]

Might be Honda gasket time. Only way is uncover it and do a smoke test around the gaskets.

 

[Jeriatric]

OK so maybe that is it.

Since your in Cali and we have pretty much the same bike, have you ever noticed this e.g. a different odor?

Bob

Yep. But my sensitivities seem to be more 'heat' related :roflblack: :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[finless]

Yep. But my sensitivities seem to be more 'heat' related :roflblack: :roflblack::roflblack:

Well remember... I bought mine in June and thus up to now have been using summer blend.
So if your saying you have noticed a different odor yourself, then this is probably what I am experiencing now that winter blend with more TOXIC POLLUTANTS are in it

I guess if your rolling all the time people wont smell it. But in stop and go traffic or hitting a lot of red lights, let me tell you it is VERY noticable. Once I get in the office it takes like 2 hours to get the smell out of my nose.

Bob

 

[Jeriatric]

Well remember... I bought mine in June and thus up to now have been using summer blend.
So if your saying you have noticed a different odor yourself, then this is probably what I am experiencing now that winter blend with more TOXIC POLLUTANTS are in it

I guess if your rolling all the time people wont smell it. But in stop and go traffic or hitting a lot of red lights, let me tell you it is VERY noticable. Once I get in the office it takes like 2 hours to get the smell out of my nose.

Bob

What helmet style are you wearing?

 

[finless]

What helmet style are you wearing?

Full face modular. But in stop and go I do crack open the visor to the first notch to get a little more air.
But since this stink started I have tried pulling up the entire chin guard to see if it was getting trapped under the helmet. Either way I still smell it.

Bob

 

[Chief-J]

Same Smell

I have a 2011 RT-S with 15,500 miles and I too notice this bad smell at a stop light. Smells like spoiled/rotten eggs?

Not sure what it is, I have changed fuel to see if that will correct the issue. I think it may be the boiling fuel from the heat of the engine? I have written to BRP to see if they can come up with an answer.

 

[YIRYDE]

I don't know if you have removed the panels yet but you might want to check for the exhaust pipe crack like others have mentioned. I had it happen to me at 1200 miles, see this thread for more info. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...Trip-end-in-near-desaster&p=216477#post216477

 

[finless]

This is not a sulfer smell for me. It is more like a kind of unburned gas smell but not exactly. I wish I could describe it. Ever been behind a old car that was pre-igniting? It's noxious and almost makes your eyes tear. BUT this is not exactly that smell. It does not make your eyes tear or is so bad you have to get fresh air. But it is a lingering annoying odor. Again I wish I could describe it but it is an odor unlike any I have smelled before.
I have never smelled this from my car running in a garage either! So if it is winter blend, maybe cars burn cleaner than the spyder?

Bob

 

[finless]

I don't know if you have removed the panels yet but you might want to check for the exhaust pipe crack like others have mentioned. I had it happen to me at 1200 miles, see this thread for more info. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...Trip-end-in-near-desaster&p=216477#post216477

Yes this could be it but I would think you would hear something like that?
Again I have heard no sound difference with my Sypder at all and I am sensitive to different sounds.

Bob

 

[Jeriatric]

Oleander, the freeway bush.

Some might ask why it's so popular in California?

Answer.

Because it loves the smell of freshly burned petro.

A botanist once concluded he was certain it survived on fumes and tire rubber.