Need help with Exhaust Smell

[J Barre]

Hello Everyone. I have a ‘97 TJ, 4.0L that I bought several years ago to work on with my son. Runs as it should, but we have a problem with the exhaust smell. The PO had replaced the exhaust with straight pipe, no CAT. I’ve replaced one of the O2 sensors and The exhaust has been inspected and the gasket and pipes are in working shape. Had the tail pipe turned out behind the wheel to get the exhaust in the slip stream. It is better, but with windows out and idling, the exhaust is still pretty strong. Will reinstalling a CAT (or another exhaust system) solve the remaining exhaust smell, or is there something else to consider? Just looking for experienced input before I have go thru the effort. Thanks in advance.

 

[Potomus Pete]

I have a Mustang with no cat and a big stink. Just get a small universal on and have it welded on. It wont be great, but it will help. Or spend the big money and do it right. Until you get a cat its going to stink

 

[Rickyd]

Put a cat back on and live with the fact your exhaust pipe is only a couple feet behind you.could also put some junk like this in your tank

Long term consequences on your sensors or getting pulled over might not be good though...

 

[jkosten]

Does it get driven regularly or has it sat for awhile? Gasoline does not have a great shelf life and it could be starting to degrade. If you have it sit for a while consider using quality fuel stabilizer.

https://www.bellperformance.com/blog/symptoms-of-stale-gas