Dodge: wont start, aftermarket converters, rotten eggs

Question
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Followup To
Question -
i have a 2002 grand caravan and a couple of days ago it was hard to start and when it did start the exhaust smelled really bad and it was running rough until it warmed up,once it warmed up it ran fine--so the next day i changed the air filter and went from there--so for three days it did the exact same thing then it just quit starting at all, ive been told a lot of differant things but wanted your opinion so i know where to start--i really dont have the money to take it in ,so hopefully i can fix it myself     





this doesnt smell like rotten eggs--it smells more like fuel--also i checked the oil and it seemed to have an gassy odor to it also---plus when it chugs like its going to start it puffs black stuff on the ground
thanks,
buddy
Answer -
Buddy,
If it had a bad smell like rotten eggs,you're catalytic converter may be stopped up.This can make it run really bad and will decrease the performance substantially.And will not always make the engine light come on.If it is the converter you will need to buy a new one and have it welded or brazed on.You can buy aftermarket converters for a lot cheaper than oem.

Answer
Buddy,
If the oil has a gassy odor you've probably got gas in the oil.It sounds like what you're describing is the engine is flooding out if the smoke is black.Did the engine light come on?Have you checked the throttle body to see if it is dirty.I would keep an eye on the oil,if it is gassy it needs to be changed right away,because gas will break down oil(dillute oil)and cause the engine to seize up.If the engine light is on you'll be able to tell what the problem is rather than just replacing parts.