burning smell from engine!

[tmb]

I was running my '02 air over the weekend and noticed a tiny bit of smoke coming from the engine compartment. We opened and could smell something burning but could not find anything. The smell seemed to be coming from the starboard side towards the rear of the manifold. Temp ran normal, impellar find, fluids fine. any ideas? We ran it for a few hours and the burning smell came back 1-2 times but still never found anything. thanks

[Rick]

RE: burning smell from engine!

Check the solenoid for the starter or the starter itself. I would also check the alternator. Des it smell electrical or loke burning paper?

[kylake33]

RE: burning smell from engine!

Make sure your engine belts are not slipping. My alternator belt shredded a few weeks ago.

[swooddc]

RE: burning smell from engine!

i noticed a similar smell when my alternator went. actually it was the voltage regulater in the alternator that went out and cooked a new battery before i figured it out.

[M3Fan]

RE: burning smell from engine!

Could be a drop or two of oil dropped on the flange area of the exhaust manifold during an oil change or flung off the dipstick during a reading. That will give your engine compartment a nice burnt smell for an outing or two. It's easy to get a drip or two on the manifold (where it meets the head, before the water jackets) during oil changes or even checking the dipstick.

[tmb]

RE: burning smell from engine!

you may have something with the starter. It has been struggling to start on the first press of the button. A mechanic said I would need to replace it next year because I got water in the engine compartment and it covered the starter. Will it hurt to run until the starter goes out?

[TravelinTrav]

RE: burning smell from engine!

Odds are you will need the starter in the middle of the lake, and not have it, resulting in a pull to the shore. I would just replace it, if you are noticing problems.