trbo2nr

I've seen a post or two in the past on this and some often had bags and stuff on the road get caught in the engine or exhaust area. In my case, I don't have this but smell a rubber burning smell kind of like the smell from doing burn outs. I can't locate the source no matter what. The surpentine belt looks fine (I replaced it 4,000 miles ago - maybe longer. It appears to happen at random too. When the car is running, I can't smell from the cabin- even after driving to work and back- just after I park it and get out. Any ideas?


Bob

mikekuriger

tire rubbing? twig caught under the suspension? there isn't a lot of moving rubber parts to check.

trbo2nr

I was thinking the tensioner pulley or something wanting to seize up but they appear to be fine. Need to double check.....I suppose this isn't a common problem.

King320

Get your timing chain tensioner checked, now. I had this same thing happen to me. Smelled a rubber/oil smell when getting out of the car for a few days. No warning lights or anything. Took it in and the mechanic said the tensioner pulley was backing out (common in these cars over time because the block is aluminum and the tensioner pulley is steel). He said if I had driven it for a day or so more all the oil would have drained, the engine would have jumped timing, and the motor would have been done. It might not be what's wrong with yours, but it is certainly worth 30 minutes to have it checked.

advans

Trash bag stuck under ur car's exhaust, or maybe ur parking brakes are locked? and the sensor is F-ed?

trbo2nr

Thanks! I'll check that out.

Bob

mikekuriger

also, it's unlikely, but if you were recently working on the motor, you may have moved a hose close to the exhaust or dropped something onto or near the exhaust.

trbo2nr

I will have a chance this weekend to see what's up. Rode the Harley to work the last few days as the weather is just too nice to be in the cage (even the Benz). I'll post what I find....

Bob

trbo2nr

Standing in front of the car and looking at the passenger side, right behind the alternator and above looks like a couple of drops of oil hit the exhaust manifold. So, I'm thinking a valve cover gasket issue.... The driver's side is fine.

Bob

King320

Whats your mileage? I had my valve cover gaskets replaced a while back because the tech said its common for them to go around 80K-90K miles.

trbo2nr

I have around 70,000 miles on it. I suppose I might as well do both....

The bolts weren't very tight so I tightened slightly so it may buy me some time.....

gt4awd

Must be valve covers. No other place for oil to leak at that location...

trbo2nr

Yes, just a drop or two. The bolts weren't really tight so I tightened them. I've been riding the motorcycle and using a beater car the last many days and will take the C32 out this Wednesday and see if tightening it helped.....

Bob