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Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve?

 
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FlatEric
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Post01-10-2004, 16:46    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

Hello everyone!

A while ago, I blocked the EGR valve with a metal plate and removed the catalytic converter. I didn't really notice any difference from blocking the EGR, but I definitely noticed the effects of removing the cat: louder turbo whistle and better acceleration.
'The exhaust smell has changed; it now smells like a Polish tractor or truck.'
New injectors are installed. Could the EGR valve be the cause?
Oil consumption: hardly any.

Best regards,

eric


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:28.
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gerbi
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Post01-10-2004, 18:14    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

Okay, I haven't noticed any change in the exhaust smell since the EGR system failed (probably due to a blocked vacuum line, but I haven't had time to investigate yet...).

I think the CAT has a greater influence in that case!


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:29.
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matthiasTDI96
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Post01-10-2004, 18:40    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

Hello,

"Anything could be the cause, how are we supposed to know what your car smells like? Besides, I have to admit I've never smelled my own exhaust before... I don't see any reason to."
Just like you wouldn't "kick out" a cat...

What kind of answer are you seriously expecting?


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:30.
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FlatEric
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Post02-10-2004, 3:48    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

So... In the Netherlands, you don't need a catalytic converter for a diesel engine.
Okay, so get rid of it... one less big obstruction in the 'airway.' Try breathing through a straw? It's difficult, isn't it?
And the smell was there even before I removed the catalytic converter. When you open the driver's door and want to get out after giving it a little gas, it smells like an old tractor or a pre-combustion diesel engine.

I would like to know if anyone in this forum has noticed any changes in the smell after disabling the EGR valve.


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:31.
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matthiasTDI96
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Post02-10-2004, 9:44    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

To be completely honest, when I say "air intake," I'm referring to the side of my engine that draws in air. The exhaust side has very little to do with it. Try searching this forum for tuning options related to the exhaust system, and you'll see that almost no one has noticed any significant changes.


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:32.
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eike
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Post03-10-2004, 13:25    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve Quote

Hello everyone!!

A while ago, I blocked the EGR valve with a metal plate and removed the catalytic converter. I didn't really notice any difference from blocking the EGR, but I definitely noticed the effects of removing the cat: louder turbo whistle and better acceleration.
'The exhaust smell has changed; it now smells like a Polish tractor or truck.'
New injectors are installed. Could the EGR valve be the cause?
Oil consumption: hardly any.

Best regards,

eric

Hello Eric,

I'm a bit surprised by the action of 'Kat Rausgeschlagen.'
So, if it smells different and more strongly afterwards, that clearly indicates that the cat was working before. It has the greatest effect in the area of converting or afterburning the hydrocarbon components. And these are what cause the typical diesel smell.

Why did you remove a working catalytic converter? I would have replaced it with a straight pipe and sold the used catalytic converter on eBay to recoup some of the cost. Or, I would have kept it in case I ever wanted to sell the car again or pass an emissions test without it. That would have paid off many times over. Besides, a continuous pipe is more aerodynamically efficient than an empty catalytic converter housing.

Greetings.

Eike.


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:34.
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schnappi
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Post03-10-2004, 15:14    Subject: Exhaust Smell Change with Faulty EGR Valve? Quote

'Furthermore, the particulate matter emitted by catalytic converters is highly carcinogenic.'


Translated on 23-08-2026, 9:37.
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