why am I stinky?

[Low87]

Run with it.

Exhaust on the K5 reeks, closest I can compare it to is a firecracker or almost gunpowder. Since I haven't fixed the AC yet, I roll with the back window down, meaning by the end of the day I smell like it too.

I plan on rebuilding the TBI and giving it a tune up, think any of this will help? Gotta find out what it is.

[Jonboy]

Hey Stinky, some of your problem is driving with the back window down. It creates low pressure, and sucks the exhaust fumes in the cab. While you may have a small problem with the combustion, it's the fact it is getting sucked inside that is killing you (or at least making you stink). My '77 was horrible about this; it would make you smell like you took a bath in gas.

[Low87]

Bummer, I like that back glass down.

[notyo_cheez]

Running rich, or you need tail pipe extensions, or both? Had that issue with a '69 Skylark I used to own, the fumes were killing me until I extended the tail pipe another 6". The rust holes in the trunk floor and back window didn't help especially after I removed the severely weatherbeaten package tray...

[Low87]

Notyo, when I bought the K5 the exhaust was cut right behind the cat. Nearly passed out making the 2 hour drive home. First thing I did was put on a muffler and route the exhaust back to the rear corner. Pretty sure it's good now.

I'm not sure about rich, it's got a rough idle like it's lean, or a vacuum problem I haven't found yet.

[notyo_cheez]

Just guessed sight unseen and based on personal experience. Vacuum leaks need to be fixed of course, could be everything or nothing.

[Low87]

My EGR has two ports coming off of it, but only one hose. Which one do I use?

[notyo_cheez]

Originally Posted by Low87

My EGR has two ports coming off of it, but only one hose. Which one do I use?

Not absolutely sure, vacuum opens the valve during warm-up and will close when the engine is at operating temperature. They should connect to a switched port somewhere, not very familiar with TBI systems.

[bmchevy1979]

It could be your cat my k5 would do the same thing and when I took the cat off it was a whole lot better and the fact that it dumped a pound or two of soot when I turned the cat on its end. I am pretty sure the repair manual even says that a strong smell is an indicator of a cat going out but you will have to check on that one as I don't have my book around right know. But my blazer was also in bad need of a rebuild

[notyo_cheez]

If the engine runs rich the pellets will melt in the cat and eventually clog it. If your area requires annual emission testing it will get flagged if CO levels are too high. Worth a look, and of course you'll need to correct the rich burn before replacing the cat. Several counties in TX require emissions tests for all vehicles 2-24 years old, mine doesn't.

Just a thought.

[Papa-J]

Stinky like i fired of shotgun shell = Blown or bad Cat
I've had this on a few vehicles.

[Low87]

Good idea guys. Wish I'd have checked on this prior to have the exhaust done (PO cut if off just after the cat, I added the muffler and routed the tip out).