Burning smell, can't figure it out (dealer also can't find why)

[HeartbeaT91]

Originally Posted by humfrz

hmmm.........have you checked out that right front brake/bearing area ...... ??

Leaking brake line ..??

Sticking caliper .. ??

Can you further describe the burning smell .. ??

Gasoline; oil; clutch disk; brake pads; leaves; antifreeze .... ??
(they all have distinctive odors)


humfrz

I'm not very experienced with car issues - so pleaes excuse my ignorance. this BRZ is the first time I was able to get a car i've always wanted. with that said, i'm completely unsure of what kind of burning smell this is, because i've never smelled burning smell in my previous beater.

Can you perhaps describe what each burning smell differs by?

Originally Posted by Turbo95eg6

I'm at 17,000 miles, yes it still happens. It's definitely a burning rubber smell, maybe plastic. As long as my car doesn't burn down on the freeway it doesn't bother me too much, but I'd like to know what it is too.

I'm at 16,000 miles, I'm 75% sure we have the exact same problem ... Hopefully we iron this one out!

[PandaSPUR]

Are you both sure its not just your clutch :\

[mav1178]

Things that can burn or smell:

Clutch
Engine oil
Brakes
Coolant
Transmission oil
Differential oil
External sources not directly related to car

You need to figure out what it is by trying to replicate the conditions that create the smell...

[HeartbeaT91]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

Are you both sure its not just your clutch :\

Does clutch burn smell linger after you're done driving and parked? I've smelled burning clutch before - but for the most part i smell them right away (after i slip too long or something) and then they disappear briefly.

So from my experience, it wouldn't be the clutch because i'm able to smell something burning/burned after i've parked (i usually neutral into my lot so I wouldn't even have touched the clutch) for 5 minutes.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by HeartbeaT91

I'm not very experienced with car issues - so pleaes excuse my ignorance. this BRZ is the first time I was able to get a car i've always wanted. with that said, i'm completely unsure of what kind of burning smell this is, because i've never smelled burning smell in my previous beater.

Can you perhaps describe what each burning smell differs by?

I'll try.

gasoline - smells like the vapors that come off your lawnmower after you overfill it.

oil - smells like a BBQ after you have sprayed Pam on it when grill is hot.

clutch disk - smells like nothing else ..... sort of like a hot/baked/oven mitt, you left in the oven.

brake pads - smells like a burning, hot, stinking piece of wet wood.

antifreeze - smells sort of sweet and alcoholic

caliper - (actually the pad would be burning)

............and then we have electrical insulation, rubber, hot belts

I suggest you ask your co-pilot where they think the smell is coming from and what it smells like .....


humfrz

[Trust86]

Maybe your accidentally pushing the nitrous purge button?

[roddy]

Originally Posted by HeartbeaT91

Does clutch burn smell linger after you're done driving and parked? I've smelled burning clutch before - but for the most part i smell them right away (after i slip too long or something) and then they disappear briefly.

So from my experience, it wouldn't be the clutch because i'm able to smell something burning/burned after i've parked (i usually neutral into my lot so I wouldn't even have touched the clutch) for 5 minutes.

The stench of burning clutch can stick around for a while, and the smell of overheated brakes is very similar to my nose (though that can vary a bit with different pad compounds). I had a sticky caliper that would intermittently give me some issues (and smell). I found the issue one day with a small spray of water. Pick up a cheap spray bottle, and fill it with water. The next time you encounter that smell, pull over, and give each rotor a squirt or 2. They will likely all sizzle a bit, but if one is really hot it will steam and sizzle more noticeably than the others...that one will be your problem.

[justatroll]

Based on that video I posted above, the dealer is removing my engine as I type.

I took it in for a headlight replacement and said "Have a look under the timing cover".

They said "Yup! your timing chain cover and upper oil pan seals are leaking"
They said engine out and two days to complete the repair.

Car has 35k miles.