2002 OBW - very strong smell. Can't really describe it, maybe it's running rich I don't know. Right at start up, stinks up a garage in no time.

 

Also have an O2 sensor code but both front O2 sensors (The H6 has two fronts) are new OEM Subaru O2 sensors.

Could be a leaking injector. Have you checked the plugs?

Garage with the door open or closed?

The O2 sensors don't do anything until the ECU comes out of open loop. They don't work at all until they reach about 600°F which is pretty hot. Certainly not going to be that hot immediately after starting.

 

My 96 will make you choke on a cold start if you try breathing anywhere near the back of the car or have to back up into the cloud of unburned fuel that pours out of the back of it. But I still get 30+mpg on the highway (got 33 on the last trip) so I'm not too worried about it running a little rich on cold start.

 

My best guess would be a faulty coolant temp sensor if anything. Those can generally be tested with an ohmeter if you have a known good one to compare readings with at the same or similar temperature. A scan tool is ideal for that.

 

"Strong" is kind of a relative term. If you're used to smelling 4 cyl engines at startup, a 6 banger is gonna put out 2 more cylinders worth of exhaust under the same conditions. I like to figure roughly 50% more depending on displacement. So maybe a 6 cyl is just strongER smelling than a 4 cyl...

Hm, good point. It *seems* more than it should be. I have terrible sense of smell and shouldn't even notice it. The XT6, while 0.3 liters smaller and older is a six cylinder but not nearly as bad.

 

Checked the plugs? You mean spark plugs? I think they were changed about 40,000 miles ago.

Yeah checking the condition of the plugs might tell you if it's running rich.

Do you have any idea what kind of fuel mileage the car is getting? Any complaints about driveability or rough running?

What is the exact code you're getting?

Don't know the code - something about O2 sensors, I can check again been wanting to get it straight.

 

Fuel mileage is around 21-22 mpg highway.

 

Runs and drives fine.

Hmmm. I would expect a bit higher than that on the highway. But terrain, load, altitude can all make that change. Among other things.

 

My 96 will make you choke on a cold start if you try breathing anywhere near the back of the car or have to back up into the cloud of unburned fuel that pours out of the back of it. But I still get 30+mpg on the highway (got 33 on the last trip) so I'm not too worried about it running a little rich on cold start.

 

 

+1, my 96 2.2 is the same way, about the same mileage on the highway to too. I have to remember to turn the fan off before I back out of my space or else I'm coughing.

hhhmmmm, intersting, maybe it's "normal"? or common.

I should add that this is only in cold weather