Smelly acceleration? - GreenHybrid

haroldo · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 06:10 AM

I usually drive reasonably conservatively. After reading all the people here raving about their speedsters, I figured I'd try mine out. This morning I accelerated quickly to ~70MPH and noticed that the car gave off a slight smell. I never noticed this before, mainly since I rarely gun it to that speed. There are a thousand possible reasons, including outside smells that permeated the car while this was occurring, but thought it odd, nonetheless.
For the record, it's an 08 with ~5000 miles and a recent oil change and, again, this was the first time I gunned it.
Anyone ever notice this (or just think I've lost my mind)?
Thanks!`

SteveHansen · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 05:08 AM

You're not supposed to flatulate while accelerating.

haroldo · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 06:30 AM

My driving instructor used to say "give it gas". Did I misunderstand him?

mikecism · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHansen

You're not supposed to flatulate while accelerating.

It's a little tough after stopping at Taco Bell...

mikieboyblue · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Hahah nice guys....

mikieboyblue · #6 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 08:14 AM

I don't have a technical answer for you but maybe it was just burning a little rich or lean or some components were heated to a degree they had not yet been?

cjacobus1 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 06:02 PM

Larry:
I read somewhere that it was suppose to do 60 in about 7.8 seconds, but I've never tried it. Did your test approach this?

Chuck

haroldo · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 06:25 PM

Oh, I'm not a racer, I just accelerated quickly, but not so fast that it was worth timing. I just wanted to see how fast it could accelerate if I needed to, like if I was thrust into an action movie or needed to jump over a draw bridge about to open up.

speedyg37 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 04:20 AM

Haroldo,

The answer to your question is quite simple. It relates to the car's catalytic converter. The converter will get very hot under WOT (wide open throttle). This can continue to smell until every bit of catalyst packing (mostly vermiculite) gets cooked. This packing material gets "cooked" and locks the monolith in place. "Cooked"=expands and hardens.
I could write a novel here, but unless you do a lot of WOT, you will always smell a burnt weird smell after hard acceleration, especially on a hybrid which rarely needs a lot of power from it's engine. If you use WOT a lot, the smell will eventually go away. I am an automotive engineer and designed a number of exhaust manifolds with integrated catalysts. I know these parts well.
On a different note, there is nothing at all wrong using WOT in a hybrid. In fact, this is one of the best methods for getting the best mileage figures in a Prius. WOT till you get to speed, then coast and feather the gas pedal as needed. I have had two Prius cars and had good success with that technique. With any luck, will get my Camry Hybrid this weekend!
Enjoy yours!

haroldo · #10 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedyg37

...The answer to your question is quite simple. It relates to the car's catalytic converter...

Thanks, that was a great explanation. I doubt I'd be using WOT, as you call it, or 'gunning it', as I call it, too often, since I don't need to prove anything to anyone about it's acceleration potential. Especially since my friend's Bentley Continental GT can do 200MPH and is slightly more of a chick magnet than my TCH (but I do get better mileage!)