burning smell

[mace]

Hi guys,

I need to pick the brains of the collective.

Got a 1.9cdti 16v estate with 25k on the clock. Pretty much trouble free motoring apart from some juddering at around 2000rpm under light throttle 4 months ago - Millers , V-power and a Italian tune-ups which I've tried to co-incide with each dpf recon (currently every 450 miles). This approach seems to have sorted that out (touch wood & all that).

Last few weeks since the freeze started I've noticed a burning smell outside the car when I get out, it's worse on short journey's. Performance is fine (I guess - can hardly give it any welly on the roads here) economy is poor (30 mpg) but not unexpected considering av speed is down to 16mph as I'm mostly pottering about with the work commute/school run about town.

I'm just perplexed as to what the burning smell might be, it's definately from the front end,around the bonnet and not exhaust / dpf type burning smell, as a 150 estate owner of 3 years you certainly get to know this particular odour, it's not anything stuck on to a hot surface like a plastic bag either. I could only describe the smell as metallic: not oily or plasticky & this is happening on every journey, so if anyone has any idea what it could be?

Cheers
Mac

[mparks8590]

clutch?

[barney490]

Is it definately a burning smell? maybe there is seapage of coolant from the radiator, which is turning to vapour and it's that you can smell. Is the water level in the header tank reducing?

[mace]

clutch?

good point & thanks for the quick response, but it does it when I'm driving and not just when the wifes had it!

Seriously though, I'm pretty sensible with the left foot especially when stuck in nose to nose trafic. I tend to leave a gap before moving up so I'm not continually riding it. I'm paranoid about DMF problems so I'm pretty careful, can a clutch 'stick' because it's frozen or would it be wear and tear? Are there any other syptoms? Sorry if it's a stupid question but I've not had a clutch problem in 15 years and a dozen cars.

[fingers66]

I had a burning smell from my vec a few weeks back, 2 days later the waterpump totally mangled...... but it could be anything.

[mace]

Is it definately a burning smell? maybe there is seapage of coolant from the radiator, which is turning to vapour and it's that you can smell. Is the water level in the header tank reducing?

Well I'd describe it as a burning smell but interesting point you raise as I did have an issue last year when I had the coolant indicator come on and the system was checked over and refilled within warranty period. The reservoir was only slightly down and the guys at the stealers were pretty relaxed, said it was common and just topped it up when they had every opportunity to claim "XXX" was fubarred and replace it - I wouldn't have argued, being under warranty * everything. not had a probelm in the 12 months since and I've no wanring lights but I'll be checking the coolant level in the morning for sure!
Cheers

[mace]

I had a burning smell from my vec a few weeks back, 2 days later the waterpump totally mangled...... but it could be anything.

Wow sounds expensive! Que sera sera I spose

[markj23]

whats it smell like burning rubber ? could be a belt sliping brakes? could be binding on

[mace]

whats it smell like burning rubber ? could be a belt sliping brakes? could be binding on

nah not rubber smell but I'll check wheels tomorrow after the commute to work, it's a fairly easy drive in, especially in these conditions where most everyone is being careful: mostly engine braking and smooth cornering so if I've got a hot wheel I'll know whats going on - cheers for the idea.

I love this forum Post a problem and the ideas just roll on in

[tony-1977]

What is the coolant concentration like? Does the temp guage move up? Does the heater get hot?

Just a thought, but could be slight freezing of the coolant if it's too weak, causing part of the engine to run too hot??

Beforfe you start it in the morning, pop the bonnet and check the coolant in the header tank for signs of ice / slush.