Burning smell through vents after 20 min drive

PaulNYz · 03-21-2017, 03:56 PM

So I originally thought I was burning the clutch.. but this smell just doesn't seem like clutch.
I ruled out the clutch because I get no smells whatsoever during the first half of my commute, which is going through a small section of lights before getting on the highway, and before the car is warmed up completely.

Once at operating temp, when I get off the highway and sit at a light, that's when the smell hits me through the vents. When I start moving again it completely goes away. I rarely operate the clutch on the highway, only ever shift between 5th & 6th.

There aren't any plastic bags on the exhaust system either. Perhaps engine smells? Some kind of crank case breather?

Anyone else have this issue?

P.S.- I only have a few months of powertrain left. Doubt this is covered by anything.

TerribleONE · 03-21-2017, 04:28 PM

What is the ambient temp when this is happening? Do you have a oil cooler? Are you 100% sure you don't have anything melted/burning on your exhaust?

PaulNYz · 03-21-2017, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

What is the ambient temp when this is happening? Do you have a oil cooler? Are you 100% sure you don't have anything melted/burning on your exhaust?

Ambient temp: 20F+

I do not have an oil cooler. I'm also certain the dealer I bought it from put non synthetic oil in it (if that matters). Got home today and oil temp was 220. Kept RPM below 3.5k

Not 100% sure, wish I had a lift

TerribleONE · 03-21-2017, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulNYz

Ambient temp: 20F+

I do not have an oil cooler. I'm also certain the dealer I bought it from put non synthetic oil in it (if that matters). Got home today and oil temp was 220. Kept RPM below 3.5k

Not 100% sure, wish I had a lift

How many miles on the car? How many since the last oil change?

PaulNYz · 03-21-2017, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

How many miles on the car? How many since the last oil change?

7,600 and oil was new when i bought the car at 6,600. Though the car was on the lot for a few months, so it could have been changed when they first got it.

enkei2k · 03-21-2017, 05:55 PM

Maybe cabin filter? Or maybe I'm way off...but just a suggestion to check that out since I saw smell and vents..

TerribleONE · 03-21-2017, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enkei2k

Maybe cabin filter? Or maybe I'm way off...but just a suggestion to check that out since I saw smell and vents..

Probably not since it only happens when he is stopped.

TerribleONE · 03-21-2017, 05:59 PM

Did it just start doing this? Is your air on the recirculating mode?

PaulNYz · 03-21-2017, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

Did it just start doing this? Is your air on the recirculating mode?

It has been doing it since I could remember, and I shrugged it off at first thinking they dropped some oil on the manifold.

It is not on recirculate- I don't us it since it forces the A/C on for whatever reason.

SouthArk370Z · 03-21-2017, 06:41 PM

Does it smell like burning hair? If so, my guess is that it's your cats. Cats may be going out, you may be running rich, ...

PaulNYz · 03-21-2017, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Does it smell like burning hair? If so, my guess is that it's your cats. Cats may be going out, you may be running rich, ...

It doesn't. Car is also bone stock. MPG is around 22 combined as well

alcheng · 03-22-2017, 12:43 AM

you might want to check if there's engine oil leak?

GKB · 03-22-2017, 07:55 AM

I agree with the check for an oil leak idea. This seems to be the most common source of burning smells in cars. The smell is distinct, and I can only describe it as an acrid smell. It fits with the description you gave of starting after 20 min. of driving as the engine would be good and hot by then. It takes only a small leak usually from some upper portion of the engine and takes only a small amount of oil getting on the exhaust manifold/s to make the acrid burning oil smell. Good luck finding it if that is the cause.

SouthArk370Z · 03-22-2017, 08:28 AM

Since it doesn't appear to be the cats, I'm inclined to agree with the leak crowd at this point. Anything with fluid in it and that is near/above something hot is a candidate. Sounds like a good opportunity to inspect the engine compartment and underside of car.

kenchan · 03-22-2017, 11:56 AM

Mouse?

03-21-2017, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
PaulNYz Base Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 124 Drives: 12 sport 6MT Rep Power: 8	Burning smell through vents after 20 min drive So I originally thought I was burning the clutch.. but this smell just doesn't seem like clutch. I ruled out the clutch because I get no smells whatsoever during the first half of my commute, which is going through a small section of lights before getting on the highway, and before the car is warmed up completely. Once at operating temp, when I get off the highway and sit at a light, that's when the smell hits me through the vents. When I start moving again it completely goes away. I rarely operate the clutch on the highway, only ever shift between 5th & 6th. There aren't any plastic bags on the exhaust system either. Perhaps engine smells? Some kind of crank case breather? Anyone else have this issue? P.S.- I only have a few months of powertrain left. Doubt this is covered by anything.

03-21-2017, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	What is the ambient temp when this is happening? Do you have a oil cooler? Are you 100% sure you don't have anything melted/burning on your exhaust? __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

03-21-2017, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
enkei2k A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 6,365 Drives: '12 G41 B/S M6 Rep Power: 3716	Maybe cabin filter? Or maybe I'm way off...but just a suggestion to check that out since I saw smell and vents.. __________________ ...need boost...

03-21-2017, 05:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	Did it just start doing this? Is your air on the recirculating mode? __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

03-21-2017, 06:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	Does it smell like burning hair? If so, my guess is that it's your cats. Cats may be going out, you may be running rich, ... __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

03-22-2017, 12:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
alcheng A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 28,893 Drives: 2011 ZR PW w/Clutch Rep Power: 418352	you might want to check if there's engine oil leak?

03-22-2017, 07:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
GKB Base Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: TX Posts: 4 Drives: 15 370Z Red M6 Rep Power: 8	I agree with the check for an oil leak idea. This seems to be the most common source of burning smells in cars. The smell is distinct, and I can only describe it as an acrid smell. It fits with the description you gave of starting after 20 min. of driving as the engine would be good and hot by then. It takes only a small leak usually from some upper portion of the engine and takes only a small amount of oil getting on the exhaust manifold/s to make the acrid burning oil smell. Good luck finding it if that is the cause.

03-22-2017, 08:28 AM	#14 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	Since it doesn't appear to be the cats, I'm inclined to agree with the leak crowd at this point. Anything with fluid in it and that is near/above something hot is a candidate. Sounds like a good opportunity to inspect the engine compartment and underside of car. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

03-22-2017, 11:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	Mouse?

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