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!? :/

 

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

 

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

 

power steering fluid leak?

 

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

 

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.

 

burnt oil smells like burnt oil

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

 

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?

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Guess u beat me to it!

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