Rancid Burnt Smell

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Post Reply
davemaccy
Registered user
Posts: 9
Joined: 05 Apr 2021, 06:24
80-90 Mem No: 0

Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by davemaccy »

Hi all,

A rancid burnt smell, that almost has a hint of dead animal to it is coming from the engine after it's been driven a short distance (5 miles or so +). 2 months ago I had a new clutch, so I wouldn't have thought it would be that?  You can't smell while driving, only after you have parked up.  A week or so ago a friends Dad moved the van 200-300m, and I feel like it has happened since then, but can't work out why.

FYI: Its a 1986 1.9 Petrol WBX

Just wondering if anyone had any ideas before I asked a mechanic.
1985 T25 1.9 WBX DH

User avatar
King Kenny
Registered user
Posts: 167
Joined: 25 Feb 2012, 19:22
80-90 Mem No: 10965
Location: Wiltshire, UK.

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by King Kenny »

It could be the clutch friction pads or possibly the brake pads/ shoes stuck on. Hard to tell from here.
I don't know where I am, but I'm having a lovely time!

1990 CARAVELLE 1.9cc petrol : watercooled

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by TONYT25T25 »

As above check brakes are not binding, do you have a Cat fitted.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

User avatar
Mocki
Membership Admin
Posts: 16957
Joined: 29 Sep 2005, 09:27
80-90 Mem No: 428
Location: Mansfield Notts
Contact:

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by Mocki »

TONYT25T25 wrote: 01 Sep 2021, 18:11



do you have a Cat fitted.

And if you did is it dead ???  :ok

any sign if gearbox oil ? That smells horrible and pI$$ like when it burns , like drops on zorst 
Steve
tel / txt O7947-137911
👀
________________

1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper 
 

ash1293
Registered user
Posts: 649
Joined: 27 Jun 2016, 10:49
80-90 Mem No: 16013
Location: York

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by ash1293 »

davemaccy wrote:Hi all,

A rancid burnt smell, that almost has a hint of dead animal to it is coming from the engine after it's been driven a short distance (5 miles or so +).

If it not been driven much have you checked rear pillars, engine bay, air filter etc for any nesting animals that may have perished?

It’s probably not the case but I’ve seen it before.
1990 1.9DG 34DAT carb Leisuredrive hightop

oli8925
Registered user
Posts: 38
Joined: 11 May 2019, 20:26
80-90 Mem No: 0

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by oli8925 »

I've had funny smells from dying/dead alternators. Worth a check.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk


RogerT
Registered user
Posts: 1798
Joined: 10 May 2013, 11:59
80-90 Mem No: 13706
Location: Central Scotland

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by RogerT »

Dead battery? Had a leisure battery that smelt awful when charging as it was dying.
Have you ever seen an unhappy fool?

88 Transporter with hitop camper conversion, 1.6td.

User avatar
clift_d
Registered user
Posts: 3290
Joined: 04 Oct 2012, 23:51
80-90 Mem No: 11695
Location: Hackney innit

Re: Rancid Burnt Smell

Post by clift_d »

I’ve had similar issues with a leisure battery whenever it was charging - a smell of hydrogen sulphide, a bit like rotten eggs in the area around the battery box. Easily checked by disconnecting the leisure battery, and seeing if it repeats.
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker Hightop syncro

Post Reply