B737 Captain reports a strong smell in the cockpit shortly after takeoff. While troubleshooting the left engine suddenly exceeds maximum EGT. The flying pilot retards the left throttle to idle before the over temperature light goes out. The engine is shut down and flight returns to departure airport for over weight landing. A bird strike is suspected.

Narrative

Shortly after takeoff [there was a] strong smell in cockpit and cabin. First Officer noticed a bird at rotation; but this bird was missed; no unusual engine indications. During clean up; the A Flight Attendant called to ask about the very strong smell; at this time I was attempting to isolate a pack to see if the smell would go away. Turned one pack off at a time and then both on; switched over to Departure. With no prior warning; left engine exceeded EGT; needle pegged; digital reading went blank; red light on. The First Officer pulled left throttle back to idle; light went out; still no engine vibration. We had indications of some N1; N2; and fuel flow; oil pressure OK. Declared emergency; advised flight attendants of return with normal landing and asked for vectors to allow time to complete checklist. Shut engine down; completed overweight landing checklist and all other checklist and returned for landing. After landing; stopped on runway; Fire Crew inspected engine and advised no smoke or any visible signs of damage. Even though little braking was used; did not set brake and held brakes during inspection. After returning to gate maintenance advised of bird strike in left engine. Airport Operations reported to aircraft and took bird strike info and advised nothing found on our take off runway. Dispatch advised at time of problem and again by phone once on the ground.