Burning smell through vents after 20 min drive

PaulNYz

So I originally thought I was burning the clutch.. but this smell just doesn't seem like clutch.
I ruled out the clutch because I get no smells whatsoever during the first half of my commute, which is going through a small section of lights before getting on the highway, and before the car is warmed up completely.

Once at operating temp, when I get off the highway and sit at a light, that's when the smell hits me through the vents. When I start moving again it completely goes away. I rarely operate the clutch on the highway, only ever shift between 5th & 6th.

There aren't any plastic bags on the exhaust system either. Perhaps engine smells? Some kind of crank case breather?

Anyone else have this issue?

P.S.- I only have a few months of powertrain left. Doubt this is covered by anything.

TerribleONE

What is the ambient temp when this is happening? Do you have a oil cooler? Are you 100% sure you don't have anything melted/burning on your exhaust?

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PaulNYz

Ambient temp: 20F+

I do not have an oil cooler. I'm also certain the dealer I bought it from put non synthetic oil in it (if that matters). Got home today and oil temp was 220. Kept RPM below 3.5k

Not 100% sure, wish I had a lift

TerribleONE

How many miles on the car? How many since the last oil change?

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PaulNYz

7,600 and oil was new when i bought the car at 6,600. Though the car was on the lot for a few months, so it could have been changed when they first got it.

enkei2k

Maybe cabin filter? Or maybe I'm way off...but just a suggestion to check that out since I saw smell and vents..

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...need boost...

TerribleONE

Probably not since it only happens when he is stopped.

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TerribleONE

Did it just start doing this? Is your air on the recirculating mode?

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PaulNYz

It has been doing it since I could remember, and I shrugged it off at first thinking they dropped some oil on the manifold.

It is not on recirculate- I don't us it since it forces the A/C on for whatever reason.

SouthArk370Z

Does it smell like burning hair? If so, my guess is that it's your cats. Cats may be going out, you may be running rich, ...

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PaulNYz

It doesn't. Car is also bone stock. MPG is around 22 combined as well

alcheng

you might want to check if there's engine oil leak?

GKB

I agree with the check for an oil leak idea. This seems to be the most common source of burning smells in cars. The smell is distinct, and I can only describe it as an acrid smell. It fits with the description you gave of starting after 20 min. of driving as the engine would be good and hot by then. It takes only a small leak usually from some upper portion of the engine and takes only a small amount of oil getting on the exhaust manifold/s to make the acrid burning oil smell. Good luck finding it if that is the cause.

SouthArk370Z

Since it doesn't appear to be the cats, I'm inclined to agree with the leak crowd at this point. Anything with fluid in it and that is near/above something hot is a candidate. Sounds like a good opportunity to inspect the engine compartment and underside of car.

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kenchan

Mouse?