Burning smell.....

[Neilos]

When the engine is hot and its been working fairly hard, for instance when I come off the motorway in the morning and stop at the lights I get this really strong kind of burning smell.

I'm pretty sure its not gear box oil as I've had that problem before and know what it smells like (thats suddenly stopped a while ago, worryingly!?) it doesn't really smell like just buring oil, its a bit hard to describe, not anti freeze either, I can't see any leaks anywhere, my mate who is an ex-VW main dealer technician reckons there's a leak or very small hole, perhaps a blowing gasket somewhere near the front end of the exhaust, but don't think its anything coming from there but I just can't seem to point out what it smells like or what it could be!?

Any idea's based on the vague info I've given! It kind of smells a bit like smoke from something burning rather than just like something getting hot. Smells slightly oily but not like general burning oil!  Sorry I can't be more specific. If anyone can think of something specific that it could smell like, as I can't think of anything then ask me and I'll tell you!

[tinman]

sure its not a bit of spilt oil?

[Neilos]

No, its been doing it for a couple of weeks, and I haven't put any in to spil any.

[Mr Blue]

melting wire inside the dash?

[marcogolfo]

hmmm i had a similar smell and i know you say its nnot antifreeze but mine turned out to be a leaking coreplug that was pissing antifreeze onto the manifold

[Neilos]

Well there is a bit of a coolant leak but  don't think its that, it smells smokey, anti freeze won't smell smokey will it?

[marcogolfo]

yup, you'd be surprised its the weirdest smell ever, i describe it as a burnt curry sort of smell 

[VR6_ROB]

after i been drivin for a while i also smell a burnin smell but it goes away after a minute or so