Burning Smell only when idling when heater is on. - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

janbsn · 10-05-2009, 05:24 PM

I have a 2001 Solara conv w/200K miles. I have had a burning smell only when the heater is on and only when idling. It doesn't happen all summer when the heater is off. Dealer says replace valve cover gasket. If it's the vcg, wouldn't I get that smell when idling with the a/c on or even idling without the a/c or heater on? Don't want to spend the $$ if that's not the problem.

***JohnGD*** · 10-06-2009, 12:40 AM

If you are or have friends who are mechanically inclined and have 30 minutes to spend, then spend ~$14 for a gasket set (including spark plug tube seals), and $1 at your local 99-cent store for sensor-safe RTV (for semicircular plug joints). Then you'll find out.

The I4 VCG is leak prone after 50K miles, especially from the back side of the engine where you can't normally see. You can also leak from cam/crank/oil pump seals.

VCG shoulnd't take more than 10 minutes. 30 is because you retorque the plug nuts after 30 minutes as rubber takes a set. See if you can borrow a 30mm socket using Autozone's free loaner tool program.

Quote:

Originally Posted by janbsn

I have a 2001 Solara conv w/200K miles. I have had a burning smell only when the heater is on and only when idling. It doesn't happen all summer when the heater is off. Dealer says replace valve cover gasket. If it's the vcg, wouldn't I get that smell when idling with the a/c on or even idling without the a/c or heater on? Don't want to spend the $$ if that's not the problem.

Mike Gerber · 10-06-2009, 09:00 AM

"wouldn't I get that smell when idling with the a/c on or even idling without the a/c or heater on"

No, not if you leave the car set on recirculate, as most people do when running the A/C. You may also be leaving it in the recirculate mode when the A/C is off.

Mike

bdy0003 · 10-06-2009, 10:18 AM

It seems like it only happens at idling, but I guess that when you're actually moving, the car behinds you gets your stench. It does sound like you do have an oil leak somewhere, VCG, dist o-ring, oil cooler region... Do it yourself, its not worth the cost for labor.