Burning smell, clutch?

Tiny
TSSKK
  • MEMBER
  • AUDI
Audi S4, 2001, 97000 miles, V6, 260hp

Hi all, I have a concerning question. My audi was driving fine till my brother tried to drive it. I think he stalled it a few times, and also revved it high I think. Immediately, I noticed a burning smell and also some black smoke coming from under the hood. On inspection, no specific parts undr the hood had any residual smell, but whenever I shift gears especially lower, I think I'm losing a some power, especially pickup in 2nd gear. I still drove 700 miles in the hwy with no major issues, but I still get the smell. Is this something to worry about.I feel its the clutch but would like your opinion & advise.
Thanks a lot
Sam
Monday, June 18th, 2007 AT 9:19 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
When the clutch is slipping you will have a distinctive burning smell. Try putting the vehicle in second gear when taking off. If you see the engine rpms going up and the car has slipping and little pick up then the problem would be in the clutch.
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Monday, June 18th, 2007 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
TSSKK
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Thank you. It seemed to pickup OK in 2nd and 3rd gear, however my clutch release appears mildly slipping where shifting gears, I need to rev up a bit more to avoid a jerky ride. Also the burning smell only comes up when I rev up a lot without releasing the clutch. Can I keep the clutch for now, or should
I get it replaced. Many thanks for the repy earlier

Sam
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Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 AT 1:23 PM
Tiny
VLADGEISER
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The clutch may not be your problem, does it smell like burnt hydraulic fluid, or like burning oil, or like burning coolant?
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Monday, March 2nd, 2009 AT 1:54 AM
Tiny
MIKE H R
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  • 3,094 POSTS
If the clutch slips in 2nd and third then your cluch disc is going bad or the pressure plate is weak. Do you have it in gear and step on the gas can you feel the clutch slipping. If the cluch grabs then 1. The pressure plate is making the cluch grab. A couple of things could cause that. If the cluch disc breaks ansd a piece is stuck in between it will make the cluch and pressure plate will make it grab. Or a dirty cluch disc. Soem fluids on a disc will make it slip while others will make it grab. The throw out bearing could possibly be going bad. It is up to you wheter to gey it fixed now or wait. Remember it will only get worse over time.
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Saturday, March 14th, 2009 AT 1:15 PM

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