Burning rubber smell

[Red Westie]

Took the van out this afternoon and within the first few minutes I could smell burning rubber. I stopped the van, got out had a look around, couldn't see anything got back in. The smell was inside not outside....it was then I realised my heater blower wasn't working, well at least on the 1st and 2nd speed, full speed does work however. I'm guessing that the resistor has burnt out and that it must have rubber sleaving around it due to the smell?
Anyway...how difficult a job is it? what parts am I likely to need? has anyone reading this got a spare they could let me have? any advice welcome.
PS: the heater blower has always been noisey (high pitch squeel sometimes)
Cheers
Martin

[VWCamperfan]

May not be the resistor, it sits in the plastic air distribution unit under the dashboard but unless it's moved it's supported away from anything rubber or plastic as it can get quite warm. If the fan motor has been squealing then it's quite possible the ampeage drain of the motor has increased due to increased friction at the bearings and slowing of the motor.
It could be the resistor burnt out but I would check the speed selector switch first.

[Mr Bean]

I found that the cheap blade type fuses are quite capable of running hot and melting off the plastic body which forms a blob of plastic in the holder. (Shock horror!) Or maybe it was a worn or loose springy bit? Anyway it did pong at the time but I only worked out what it was some time after the event. Anyway when you get it next have a sniff in your fuse box.
By the way I did read many years ago of an important and learned man who constantly had the sensation of smelling burning rubber. He was later diagnosed and eventually died of a brain tumour whose effect was to induce the smell of burning rubber in his brain. At around that time and thinking I too was important and learned, I did believe that I too could smell burning rubber but this sensation gradually faded and at current age 67 I appear not to to have succumbed to this terrible fate. However if you start to sense that smell other than in the van....
Regards
Wolfie

[Red Westie]

Piggin ell wolfie, now you're gonna make me paranoid! ner it'a alright the missus could smell it as well..ARHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! we are both gonna die!


Martin