Rubbery burning smell

[Chris Crash]

Whenever my engine reaches normal operating temp, there is a strong smell of burning rubber from the engine bay. I cannot see any smoke or anything that looks like it's burning.

I don't really know what it could be. It's not burning oil, it's not burning clutch, it's not burning gear oil. Any ideas?

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Whenever my engine reaches normal operating temp, there is a strong smell of burning rubber from the engine bay. I cannot see any smoke or anything that looks like it's burning.

I don't really know what it could be. It's not burning oil, it's not burning clutch, it's not burning gear oil. Any ideas?

Inner fender wells rubbing on the tires when wind pushes them forward? Serpentine belt rubbing on a loose timing belt cover or other obstruction? Timing belt itself rubbing on the plastic timing cover? Have you been rubbing too hard on your polyester Hammer pants? CANT TOUCH THIS?

[Chris Crash]

Well I know it's not the tires. How do I find out if it's the timing belt? Take off the cover and look?

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Well I know it's not the tires. How do I find out if it's the timing belt? Take off the cover and look?

If the timing cover is not loose it is not likely rubbing there. Might want to make sure there is no wiring or loom that is touching a hot spot on your exhaust or manifold somewhere.

[zwfly]

if it was driving condition, i guess break calipers. I had exactly same problem before. The malfunction of calipers makes break pad very hot, and transfer heat to tires. very dangerous since tire may loose at high temp.

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by zwfly

if it was driving condition, i guess break calipers. I had exactly same problem before. The malfunction of calipers makes break pad very hot, and transfer heat to tires. very dangerous since tire may loose at high temp.

Good point...check your rims after you have driven to see if any one of them are hot. If so your calipers are dragging on that particular wheel.

[importcar]

Could spark plug wires touching the valve cover cause a burnt smell?

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by importcar

Could spark plug wires touching the valve cover cause a burnt smell?

No.

[proftomda]

Many heat sources that can generate a burning smell. The most common is oil leaks on the exhaust pipe but you said it was definately a burning rubber smell. That eliminates a siezed brake caliper, oil leaks, coolant leaks, shorted wiring or arcing because they all have a specific smell different than burning rubber. If indeed burning rubber, you need to verify all hoses and electrical conduits are safely away from heat sources.