Burning rubber smell

Tiny
ROBHESS88
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
My car smells like burning oil outside of the car after driving. Also, the smell comes out of my vents when I turn the heat on. I checked the oil and it is overfilled but I have not had the oil changed for four months so I do not know what is wrong.
Thursday, January 4th, 2018 AT 3:29 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That is probably burning oil from an oil leak dripping onto the hot exhaust. If the oil is overfull, that could mean it is being diluted with fuel. The overfilling could have triggered the leak but it needs to be inspected closely to see where it is leaking from. I would change the oil right away and then monitor the level.
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Thursday, January 4th, 2018 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
ROBHESS88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I meant to say burning rubber not oil sorry. It also starts to smoke a little after driving back under the manifold. There was a small drip under car but it clear and has no smell, so I think it is water. All fluids are fine except the oil is a little overfilled and the transmission fluid is low, but I do not think it is the transmission because I have no misfired it drives fine other than the smell and smoke.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 7:03 AM
Tiny
ROBHESS88
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  • 5 POSTS
The brakes are kind of grinding, but I do not think that would make it smoke by the manifold.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 7:05 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You did say rubber but oil smells like rubber when burned. Unless you ran over a plastic bag and it stuck to the converter, it is likely oil burning.
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+1
Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 7:26 AM
Tiny
ROBHESS88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The only leak is very small and it is like water there is no color or smell to it. Now why would it smoke down in under the manifold? I thought the oil is in front and manifold is back by windshield right? I do not know. I just keep watching videos and still cannot find what is wrong. The car does need something done with the fuel because every time I pump gas it comes dripping out if I push gas lever all the way so I think it could do with that. Also, the smell is really bad when AC is turned on but the AC stopped working a couple months ago.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
ROBHESS88
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Oh, is there a catalytic converter on my car? Someone said newer car do not have them.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Yes, your car has a catalytic converter. It is Federal law and yes oil can and commonly does leak at the back of the engine, usually due to a leaking valve cover. Do not look for it on the ground because it is being burned off when it hits the hot exhaust. I suggest you have a shop lift the car and inspect the underside to see if I am correct.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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Also, if you are having issues with the brakes, have them inspected to find out what the issue is. If you have a brake dragging, it will eventually smoke and smell but that should be pretty obvious if it gets to that point.
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Friday, January 5th, 2018 AT 10:57 AM

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