PMantis24

Hey guys, yesterday after driving around a bit, I noticed a burning smell from my '04. It kinda smells like burning plastic, not sure exactly. Don't think it's clutch (not in rear), I don't remember what that smells like. Please don't tell me it's a burning diff lol, I definately haven't been abusing my brand new car.

Could it be the stuff they put in new exhausts (my car is fairly new, week old).

Also, I noticed that the rear of the car is always a lot warmer. Putting my face near the rear wheel I can really feel the heat compared to the front.

Thanks for reading my noob questions

wortham

huh. it could be the bean dip you had last night, bro. that usually gets that burnt rear smell goin'.

and, yes, people, if i have nothing in real advice to offer, you must suffer through my bad, bad wit because it at least is a free bump to the top.

but a few questions that might help:
1/ how often do you get the smell?
2/ what are you doing just before you get it?
3/ how long does the smell last before it's gone?
4/ is there anything leaking after your car sits for a while?

PMantis24

thanks Wortham

I actually think I found my answer with a little searching. I always suggest my members do a search first too

Anyway, it looks like it's corrosion protection that is burning off.

I haven't been doing anything crazy. Keeping shifts under 5500, typical things for break-in. I guess it could be clutch since I've finally gotten the hang of lately (probably feathering it a little longer than required). As long as it's nothing to worry about it's good with me

wortham

yeah. my guess would have been the clutch, and exactly how you explained it. but you need not worry. there are many of around here that when we hear the slightest noise, it's time to start investigating everything ... the whole better safe than sorry deal.

PMantis24

See, I thought it could have been clutch too. But burned clutch smells real bad. This wasn't a real bad smell, kinda like burnt plastic or rubber, electrical burn?. Also the smell was coming from the rear and not towards to front hmm...

Any other ideas guys? I guess I'll examine it further on my next drive out.

It's probably still clutch lol, but I just wanted to see what else it could be.

xviper

Your car is one week old. There is a pile of "stuff" (coatings, welds, etc.) that will take several more hundreds of miles to "burn" off. Have you ever had any exhaust system welding done on an old car? It smells for quite a while. You've also got rubber things on the car that has only just begun to routinely get heated up. They're going to "heat cure" for a while, too. The insides of your header will also have welds, etc, that will burn off. The cat converter is just starting to get used to working.
Don't worry too much about all the new smells, noises and sensations until you've had a chance to get used to the car and a chance for the car to get used to being owned by you. You can go nuts if you are overly sensitive about such things.

AusS2000

Another possibility is that you have run over a plastic bag. They stick to the exhaust and give you the burning plastic/carcinogenic smell for quite some time.

PMantis24

Thanks xviper and everyone! this is why I love this forum

xviper

And sometimes, the simplest answer may be the best one.