I have a '99 4Runner with 152k miles on the 3.4L V6. It has run great for me until yesterday we noticed a burning smell, that smelled like the brakes were really hot. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from, so we drove it a few more miles and couldn't find anything wrong. Today I drove 40 miles on the freeway and then pulled into town and could see the heatwaves coming off of my hood, so I pulled over and checked everything but can't find anything wrong, or where the heat is coming from. All fluids are fine, I had the breaks checked and they are fine, and I just can't figure out where the smell is coming from. After driving it the radiator feels hot and the hose coming out of the top of it going into the engine is pretty hot, but the hose on the bottom of the radiator is cool. The temperature gauge is not rising at all. Maybe I am just being paranoid but I had a block warped that ruined my last car and I don't want to ruin this one if I can avoid it. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Bryan

 

Maybe belts? Check for oil burning off of the manifolds. I know this is anecdotal but, my wife had a Honda that leaked power steering fluid for a while. The leak was slow (p/s reservoir looked full) and you couldn't see the leak unless you were turning the steering wheel. It squirted fluid on the manifold heat shield and had a horrible burning smell. It took me a while to figure it out.

 

Maybe leaky valve covers?

Very hard to tell without seeing the vehicle in person.

 

I have a 1999 Toyota 4runner with a little over 200k miles. I have recently started noticing a hot smell every time I drive it. Nothing is leaking except for a small drip from the transfer case and oil level is good. I have replaced all gear oil from the front axle, transmission, t-case and rear diff. with a Valvoline full synthetic 75w-90. All other fluids levels are good...any ideas?

 

A hot smell can mean many different things??

All things burning or getting hot have there own distinct aroma can you narrow it down??