Sudden burning smell while engine is cold
 

Hello,

Just recently, I've noticed a very acrid, burning smell coming from my 4runner. I can smell it almost immediately after firing it up in the morning, even before I pull out of my driveway. The smell doesn't seem to get any worse or better after the engine has warmed up too. I stuck my nose down in the hood and, this sounds weird, the strongest source of the smell seems to be coming from the radiator, or at least the front of the engine. I installed an electric Flex-a-lite fan about 15,000 miles ago, so the smell could be electronics? Everything seems to running just fine, engine temp stays normal. Do belts start making a bad smell when they get old? My timing belt is about due to be replaced, but that's the only thing I can think of that is old on the engine.

Anyone else have this problem? I don't know whether to be highly concerned about this, or just ride it out and see if the smell goes away?

The truck is a 1998 4Runner with the 3.4, auto, and 4x4.

Thanks everyone. :dunno:

Well folks, I've determined the cause of the smell. Turns out during a rainy day, the control box for my Flex-a-lite electric fans somehow arced and caused the plastic to melt. To all who have the FLX-210 or similar fans in their yotas, cover them in shrink wrap plastic or something before this happens to you !!!