'96 Dakota 318 5-speed. Sat at the airport for two weeks. I got home to another 100 degree day here in the deep South. I made a few stops on the way home and each time noticed a burning rubber smell when I got out of the truck. It didn't occur to me until I got home that it was MY truck that was stinking! I couldn't find anything under the hood out of the ordinary. I just put a new water pump on it less than a year ago including new belts and hoses. One thing I did notice while driving home was that the cooling fan was kicked on a lot while driving home. This engine has always run cool and it's rare for the clutch to lock up on the cooling fan. That day, it was on a lot (and boy does it suck power out of the engine...). I'm wondering is that's where the burning smell is coming from - but isn't the clutch a viscous sort of thing - no rubber parts? Maybe with the clutch locking up my belt is slipping and causing the smell? That belt tension isn't adjustable - it's a spring loaded idler pulley I believe.

Any ideas, guys?

Thanks.

Bob

 

Correct.

Correct, again.

I would inspect the belt. The book says small cracks running ACROSS the ribs are ok, but small cracks running WITH the ribs are not normal, and "must" be replaced. Also look for excessive wear, frayed cords, or severe glazing.
The viscous fan drive might not be working correctly. The automatic belt tensioner could be shot.
Included are instructions from a Dodge Ram PDF, but the instructions matches those given in my '96 Dakota manual, to check out the viscous fan drive. Hope this helps.


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