Club 80-90 Forums

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.

It could be the clutch friction pads or possibly the brake pads/ shoes stuck on. Hard to tell from here.

As above check brakes are not binding, do you have a Cat fitted.

TONYT25T25 wrote: ↑01 Sep 2021, 18:11



do you have a Cat fitted.

And if you did is it dead ??? 

any sign if gearbox oil ? That smells horrible and pI$$ like when it burns , like drops on zorst 

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.

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

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Dead battery? Had a leisure battery that smelt awful when charging as it was dying.

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.