BajaRunner

I have an auto tranny, but I have a burning clutch smell in the engine compartment. Its not extremely strong, but I notice it when I get out.

I do have leaky valve cover gaskets, and I'd imagine some oil is getting on the exhaust manifolds, but I don't know if thats what is causing the smell or not.

Replaced the front brake rotors and pads, but the smell is not coming from there. It seems to be coming from the front of the motor, near the pulleys. Any ideas!? :/

Elton

how many miles ? when was the timing belt serviced last ?

BajaRunner

Timing belt was done 30k ago. It has 165k on it..

team_gforce

power steering fluid leak?

BajaRunner

Hmmmm... Never thought of that. Where exactly would the fluid leak to create a burning smell?

cordrayj1

are you front brakes rubbing? on my 5speed i know burnin up the clutch (the first one at least) smelled exactly like a yahoo riding their brakes down a mountain.

BigBallsMcFalls

burnt oil smells like burnt oil

slipping belt ?
stuck front brakes ?
some hose or wire melting against something ?

BajaRunner

Still have this smell. I thought it was the oil dripping on the exhaust from the valve cover gaskets but I have fixed that.

It smells more rubbery. Like possibly the belts are slipping, but they are tight...maybe too tight... Can that cause a burnt rubber smell?

twa318

Hey,

I've been wondering this as well. I have the same issues you describe, I can only smell it when I exited the vehicle and the scent seems to be strongest on the drivers side of the engine.

My timing belt needs changing, could this be a slipping belt?

Yota Runner

To the previous post....If your timing belt slips, you've got problems. They don't just slip, they jump teeth on the belts and run crappy or don't run at all. I would guesse it's not your timing belt slipping.

jbudhram015

I have the same thing going on and its driving me nuts, not leaking any oil and I cant see anything melting. Doesnt really smell like oil, smells more like burning plastic.

turbo8

An idler pulley could be seized, and the belt could be rubbing on that.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Now I had a burning rubber smell and that was just what it was one of the rubber exhaust hangers .

Had broke and through driving had slide down onto the hot exhaust again I only smelled it when getting out.

Just a thought.

Burning clutch or brake lining has it`s very own smell once you know what it is you never forget.

Team420

Guess u beat me to it!

I'd def start tearing into her, and see if u got a seized idler of some sort!