Getting colder now in Ontario, about -25 this morning.

Lately I've noticed a burning smell, almost like rubber. Whatever it is I know it isn't oil or coolant cause its impossible for either to burn within 30 seconds of starting the car.

I'm thinking it may be the belt. All pulleys were good except the alternator when I changed the engine. Right now my alternator makes a groaning noise - I'm sure the bearing is going but it performs fine and I don't wanna put anymore money into this truck.

Could the stiff pulley of the alternator cause the belt to bind and creating this burning smell?

It disappears within a few minutes. Can't smell it inside the cab.

Is there anything else I can check?

Thanks!

 

Same thing this morning.

I inspected the belt before start up and had a helper start the truck while I looked at each pully. The belt doesn't seem to slip at all.

What else could it be? Only happens on cold starts and immediately stinks of burnt rubber or plastic.

 

It could still be the belt. When it's cold it's very stiff. The alternator would be hard to turn cold too.

Are you positive you have nothing leaking onto say the exhaust manifold when you park?

 

I'll double check tonight. The only thing leaking is both axle seals in my front Dif! Haha slow leak.. not worried about it tho.

When I swapped motors I watched all my fluid levels and checked for leaks for a few weeks. I'm almost certain nothing is leaking on the exhaust... plus the smell starts as soon as you turn the key and get out. Nothing is hot at that point

 

Double checked and I didn't have any leaks on the manifolds.

I guess the next step is to start the truck without the belt on and see if I smell it?

Its alright to run it for 30 seconds With no belt right?

 

30 seconds or so won't hurt it, no.

 

Alright thanks. I'll try that tomorrow.

Thanks Dan.

 

If you still smell it, my guess is the main seals.

 

Smell is still there. Fack.

May be coming out of the exhaust... disappears within a minute.

Main seals ya think Magnet?