Hi all,

I’ve got a 68 Plate Fiesta ST. 

recently noticed the occasional strong egg smell every now and then through the vents. On/after load. But sometimes randomly. 
 

also noticed a new slightly burning smell after slowing or coming off the throttle after a big pull. Doesn’t happen all the time and not every day but sometimes it does.

anything to be worried about?

car is stock.

thanks

change cabin filter and get air condition clean done maybe?

Nervous passenger?  

Seriously though, do you know what burning clutch smells like?  I wouldn't really call it eggy but it's a weird smell if you've never experienced it before.  As it's during or after a hard pull that seems quite likely.

A bad cat smells eggy but generally not through the vents at speed due to it's location.

1 hour ago, OvEr_KiLL said:

change cabin filter and get air condition clean done maybe?

Changed the filter a few weeks ago after having the system cleaned from blocked drains.

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

Nervous passenger?  

Seriously though, do you know what burning clutch smells like?  I wouldn't really call it eggy but it's a weird smell if you've never experienced it before.  As it's during or after a hard pull that seems quite likely.

A bad cat smells eggy but generally not through the vents at speed due to it's location.

I did wonder this. 
 

I say at speed. Usually afterwards for a brief moment once slowed at low speeds. 

The bad egg smell from a Catalytic converter is from Hydrogen sulphide. The very early Cats, about 20 years or more ago used to be really bad for that. But you still get it a bit on modern ones especially on hard acceleration and I would guess you'd get it more prominently if it's failing in some way.

A burning clutch it more of a stale boiled cabbage smell.

 

1 hour ago, Blatto said:

The bad egg smell from a Catalytic converter is from Hydrogen sulphide. The very early Cats, about 20 years or more ago used to be really bad for that. But you still get it a bit on modern ones especially on hard acceleration and I would guess you'd get it more prominently if it's failing in some way.

A burning clutch it more of a stale boiled cabbage smell.

 

Think I’m getting both smells. Definitely the clutch smell too. Also noticed Ford had the cabin filter the wrong way round so perhaps maybe why I’m noticing the smells a lot more! Especially the CAT smell. Was serviced only recently so possibly a coincidence. 

Well you shouldn't be getting a burnt clutch smell, it's either slipping or you are not operating it correctly/too harshly.

 

6 minutes ago, Blatto said:

Well you shouldn't be getting a burnt clutch smell, it's either slipping or you are not operating it correctly/too harshly.

 

I think I need a little more mechanical sympathy. First time I’ve noticed a burnt clutch smell mind. Had the car since new.

 

I'm going to have to source some stale cabbage to boil now...

 

Change pollen filter and check your car battery; I reckon it's the route cause: as the 45% sulphuric acid in the cells starts to smell just like written eggs when the cells begin to dry up and power is introduced; 

Higher revs; in turn; produces more electricity to the battery from the alternator, which would intensify the negative affects to a defective battery. Take care as it may be hot given the symptoms.

May sound silly but sometimes the washer fluid smells like egg if you rarely use it or put mostly water in ?

5 minutes ago, TJR121 said:

May sound silly but sometimes the washer fluid smells like egg if you rarely use it or put mostly water in ?

Thats very true; also has legionnaires; some viniger solves that one, or gradually drain the resivour and refill with Halfords winter screenwash the purple stuff; contains methanol which will kill most bugs inside the system after they consume some of it. 

1 hour ago, BigLen said:

Change pollen filter and check your car battery; I reckon it's the route cause: as the 45% sulphuric acid in the cells starts to smell just like written eggs when the cells begin to dry up and power is introduced; 

Higher revs; in turn; produces more electricity to the battery from the alternator, which would intensify the negative affects to a defective battery. Take care as it may be hot given the symptoms.

Will take a look. Think I am in need of a new clutch too. Smells off even when not on load or just in gear cruising. 

1 hour ago, connorp0601 said:

Will take a look. Think I am in need of a new clutch too. Smells off even when not on load or just in gear cruising. 

If you bought the car under 1 year ago from any dealer take it back and get them to sort the issues out, sales of goods act

11 hours ago, TJR121 said:

If you bought the car under 1 year ago from any dealer take it back and get them to sort the issues out, sales of goods act

Had since new, got extended warranty though. Just unusual really.