Dougaltop

Dougaltop

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HELP, I am in the process of buying a 2004 CLK320 Elegance Convertible with 94000 miles on the clock with four previous owners. Can anyone tell me how I would know if the exhaust catylitical converter needs replacing? There is a distinctive smell coming from under the car after it has been driven. Is this a clue? Any other major areas I should be looking at? Thanks.
 

television

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What kind of smell, there should no smell from under the car, but from the rear a possible egg smell. The smell could be just a small oil leak and burning on the exhaust. If a CAT had blocked the engine would not run very well.
 
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Dougaltop

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Cat Question etc...

Hi, thanks for your quick response. You are probably right about the oil-on-exhaust smell as the smell seems to be from under the main body of the car. The engine appears to run very smoothly so perhaps the CAT is in reasonable condition. As a matter of interest, what would the egg smell indicate? Cheers.
 

television

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Hi, thanks for your quick response. You are probably right about the oil-on-exhaust smell as the smell seems to be from under the main body of the car. The engine appears to run very smoothly so perhaps the CAT is in reasonable condition. As a matter of interest, what would the egg smell indicate? Cheers.

An egg smell from the exhaust is normal and all good, many of us have got so used to it we do not notice anymore.
 

whitenemesis

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..................... As a matter of interest, what would the egg smell indicate? Cheers.

The 'egg smell' is hydrogen sulphide and is quite normal at start-up or until the CAT has reached full operating temperature. If you can still smell it after a run and everything at operating temp there may be an issue with the CAT or possibly an over rich mixture.
 
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Dougaltop

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CAT ISSUES etc...

Hello again, thanks to both. As you have probably observed, I have not quite got to grips with the MBO site yet but your replies much appreciated. No doubt there will be many other questions that I might need assistance with once I have obtained the car. TTNF
 

ernieh

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I would be more concerned at the suggestion that there might be an oil leak...also that the car has had 4 owners. Can you get it up on a ramp to check the underside before you buy it?

As well as 'normal' checks, make sure there are no water leaks into the boot and that the hood and other electrics work properly. After all, the car is 11 years old and could be a money pit if previous owners haven't been prepared to maintain it.

Ernie
 
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Dougaltop

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Thanks Ernieh, I do intend getting an underbody inspection done. Sadly, I think my heart and not head is Ruling on this as the car meets all my requirements on cost, external/internal colour schemes, engine and year of Manufacture. I am concerned about the four previous owner scenario but I am buying from a trader who is giving a three month/3000 mile warranty and I have already done a compromise on the asking price - so it's not totally caveat emptor.
 

television

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My much later cars have had 4 owners, it means nothing these days. But the car based on the way it has been looked after.
 
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Dougaltop

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Thanks to you all for your comments. Will be picking the car up next week after it has been serviced and some wear and tear replacement work carried out picked up on my initial inspection. Will keep you informed. Regards, Doug.
 

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